European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR)

The European Convention on Human Rights binds Switzerland as a party to the Council of Europe system. It protects rights such as fair trial, private and family life, freedom of expression, and freedom from torture. Individuals may ultimately apply to the European Court of Human Rights after domestic remedies have been used. In Switzerland, the Convention influences constitutional, criminal, civil, and administrative practice and is routinely invoked before national authorities and courts.