The Human Rights Building

A jewel of contemporary architecture

Built at the centre of the European District to the plans of British architect Sir Richard Rogers, who co-designed the Pompidou Centre in Paris, the Human Rights Building was inaugurated in 1995. This building’s architecture reflects the values of justice. The two cylindrical towers standing on either side of the entrance evoke the scales of justice. As for the lobby, which seems almost diaphanous thanks to its vast glass façade, it symbolises the Court’s transparency and accessibility to all citizens. 

The European Court of Human Rights: a tool for democracy in Europe

This is the seat of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). Its mandate is to ensure compliance with the European Convention on Human Rights by the 47 members of the Council of Europe that have signed and ratified it. It is the European court that oversees the protection of civil liberties. Any State that is a signatory to the Convention, and, since 1998, any resident of such a State who considers himself or herself a victim of a violation of the Convention, and who has exhausted all domestic remedies, may bring a case before the Court. All signatory States are then required to comply with the Court’s decisions.

Tours

The courthouse is not open to the public, except during visiting hours.

For the general public, guided tours are available on the first Friday of each month at 2:30 pm. Tours last about an hour and are given in English or French.

Hearings of the European Court of Human Rights are public (arrive 30 minutes early).  Hearing dates are available on the website.

Informational tours designed for legal professionals and law students may be organised (25 people minimum).

Useful information: https://www.echr.coe.int/visitors