What roles do ECHR and EU play in the protection of human rights?

The European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and the European Union (EU) both play important roles in the protection of human rights in Europe, albeit through different mechanisms.

European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR)
The ECHR is an international treaty established by the Council of Europe in 1950. It guarantees a broad range of civil and political rights and freedoms to individuals within the jurisdiction of the member states. The Convention establishes the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) as the judicial body responsible for hearing complaints lodged by individuals or groups alleging violations of their rights by state parties to the Convention. Key features and contributions of the ECHR include:

1. Universality: The ECHR covers all member states of the Council of Europe, including both EU and non-EU countries.
2. Individual complaints: The ECHR allows individuals to directly bring cases before the ECtHR after exhausting domestic remedies. This provides a mechanism for individuals to seek redress for human rights violations.
3. Jurisprudence: The ECtHR's rulings have shaped human rights standards in Europe through its interpretation and application of the Convention. Its judgments create legal precedents and guide member states in complying with their human rights obligations.

Binding decisions: Member states are legally obliged to implement the judgments of the ECtHR and take measures to remedy any human rights violations identified.

European Union and Human Rights
While the EU is primarily an economic and political union, it has also taken significant steps to protect and promote human rights within its member states. The EU's commitment to human rights is enshrined in its founding treaties and is reflected in various legal instruments, policies, and institutions. The EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, which entered into force in 2009, consolidates and strengthens the protection of fundamental rights within the EU legal framework. Key features and contributions of the EU in human rights protection include:

1. Supranational framework: The EU has its own legal system, which allows it to develop and enforce human rights standards within its member states.
2. EU Charter of Fundamental Rights: The Charter guarantees a broad range of civil, political, economic, and social rights for EU citizens and residents.
3. European Court of Justice (ECJ): The ECJ interprets and applies EU law, including the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. It ensures the consistency and uniform application of EU law across member states.
4. EU agencies and bodies: Institutions such as the European Commission, the European Parliament, and the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights work towards promoting and safeguarding human rights within the EU.
5. Conditionality: The EU has used conditionality mechanisms to link human rights compliance with access to EU funds, membership, and other benefits. This approach aims to encourage member states to uphold human rights standards.

While the EU and the Council of Europe are separate entities with distinct memberships, many EU member states are also parties to the ECHR and subject to the jurisdiction of the ECtHR. The EU has also acceded to the ECHR, which further strengthens the protection of human rights within the EU legal framework.

The European Convention on Human Rights and the EU, through their respective mechanisms, contribute to the promotion, protection, and enforcement of human rights in Europe. They provide individuals with avenues to seek redress, establish human rights standards, and ensure compliance with human rights obligations by member states.