What does the ECHR create in relation to member states?

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) is a crucial institution in the protection and enforcement of human rights within its member states. It establishes a binding court system, where judgments made by the ECHR are legally obligatory for the involved states. When an individual or group believes that their rights under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) have been violated, they can bring their case to this court, which has the authority to rule on these violations. Member states are required to comply with the court's rulings, thereby reinforcing the accountability of states to uphold human rights standards.

This binding nature of the ECHR distinguishes it from other forms of human rights frameworks that may be non-binding or purely advisory, which do not impose legal obligations on member states. The court's decisions not only have implications for individual cases but also serve to influence national legislations and policies regarding human rights across Europe.

In contrast to other potential choices, the ECHR does not operate as a mere advisory body or a regulatory framework without enforceable mandates. It also does not function as a council for diplomatic relations, as this would imply a focus on political or intergovernmental dialogue rather than judicial enforcement of human rights obligations. By establishing a binding court system, the ECHR