TNAG-0918-FCO40-1129-Human-rights-in-Hong-Kong-1977 — Page 37

FOREWORD

In 1975, the twenty-fifth anniversary of the signature of the European Convention on Human Rights is taking place.

The Council of Europe is proud to put on record that it has given effect to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, on a regional basis, by the conclusion in 1950 of the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms. This Convention, and the First and Fourth Pro- tocols, concluded respectively in 1952 and 1963, transform- ed fifteen of the principles proclaimed by the United Nations into legal obligations, which thus guarantee the fundamental civil and political rights and freedoms of Man. A European Commission and a European Court of Human Rights were set up; their elaboration of a substantial jurisprudence has pro- tected both States and individuals and thus made this guaran- tee effective. Man is, however, an individual living in a com- plex modern society, and the European Social Charter, a con- vention concluded by the Council in 1961, deals with his economic and social rights, and reconciles them with the needs of society. The Social Charter entered into force on 26 February 1965. The aim of this booklet is to explain the functioning of the European Convention on Human Rights: which rights are protected, how the Commission and the Court operate, which States are bound by its provisions and which have accepted the optional clauses relating to the right of individual petition to the Commission and the compulsory jurisdiction of the Court. The text of the Convention and the Protocols is also included.

The member States of the Council of Europe, devoted to individual freedom, political liberty and the rule of law,

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adopting these instruments, which constitute an effective guarantee for the rights and freedoms of the individual as a member of society, have reaffirmed their profound belief in the foundation of justice and peace.

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