European Human Rights Court Opens to Public

The European Court of Human Rights has launched a new initiative, "A Court open to all", inviting the public to discover one of Europe's leading human-rights institutions through regular open days at its Strasbourg premises.

From September visitors will be able to explore the Court on the first Friday of every month, gaining a behind-the-scenes insight into its work, history and architecture. The initiative aims to strengthen public understanding of the Court's role in protecting human rights, democracy and the rule of law across Europe.

Delivering for a continent from an icon of Strasbourg architecture

Visitors will discover how the Court examines applications brought by individuals, how judgments are delivered and enforced, and how its case-law has helped shape the protection of fundamental rights across the continent.

They will also learn more about the building designed by the British architect Richard Rogers, which has become one of Strasbourg's best-known landmarks.

Support from the capital of Europe

The project was launched by the President of the Court, Mattias Guyomar, and the Registrar, Marialena Tsirli, together with representatives of the city of Strasbourg, including Mayor Catherine Trautmann.

Welcoming the initiative, Catherine Trautmann said: "Opening the doors of the Court is a powerful gesture. It reminds us that human rights, the rule of law and justice are not abstract principles, but values that concern us all." She added that the Court has, for more than 65 years, contributed to advancing fundamental rights and has helped make Strasbourg "the European capital of human rights".

A Court for 700 million people

Established in 1959, the European Court of Human Rights ensures that the 46 countries that are party to the European Convention on Human Rights respect the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Convention. More than 700 million people fall under the Court's jurisdiction, and individuals who believe their Convention rights have been violated may bring an application to the Court if they have not had success before their national courts.

The monthly open days reflect the Court's commitment to increasing public awareness of its work and offering visitors a greater understanding of the institution that stands at the heart of Europe's system for the protection of human rights.

Visitors will be able to see the exhibition on the 75th anniversary of the European Convention on Human Rights and to visit some famous parts of the building, including the courtrooms where some of the most important case-law on the continent has been made, and even find out what the physical design of the building is supposed to metaphorically represent. .

How to register to go on the tour (free)

What will you see on the visit to the ECHR?