The European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) entered into force on September 3, 1953, with binding effect on all Member States of the Council of Europe. It grants the people of Europe a number of fundamental rights and freedoms, including: right to life * prohibition of torture * prohibition of slavery and forced labor * right to liberty and security * right to a fair trial * no punishment without law * right to respect for private and family life * freedom of thought, conscience, and religion * freedom of expression * freedom of assembly and association * right to marry * right to an...