A. H. Robertson: Human Rights in Europe

September 3rd, 1963, marks the anniversary of an event of outstanding Importance in the history of International law and In the history of the freedom of the individual. Ten years ago, on this date, the European Convention on Human Rights came into force. Five years later the European Court of Human Rights was brought into existence after eight European states accepted its jurisdiction as compulsory. As a result a new development has taken place in securing the international protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, and machinery has been established which gives to individuals a status which has never previously been accorded to them in international law.
In this book Dr. Robertson gives an account of the major developments resuiting from the conclusion of the European Convention on Human Rights, of the system of protection established for a number of civil and political rights, and of the more important decisions of the Commission and the Court. He also describes the European Social Charter and its provisions designed to secure a number of rights of an economic and social character. Finally, reference is made to the wider political objectives underlying the activities of the Council of Europe and to their repercussions In other parts of the world.
Texts of Important documents relating to the subjects discussed are given in appendices.