ABSTRACT
The main source of support in Europe for human rights protection, including children’s rights, has been from the Council of Europe. The content of these treaties and conventions ranges from human rights to the fight against organised crime, data protection and cultural co-operation. The Council of Europe was established to advance parliamentary democracy and the rule of law and to develop regional agreements in Europe to standardise member countries’ legal and social practices. The Human Rights Act 1998 was implemented with effect from 2 October 2000. The main object of the European Convention on Human Rights is to protect the individual against arbitrary interference by the state and therefore the Convention establishes Vertical’ duties between the state and the individual. Private life is not limited to a ‘right to privacy’ but also the right to establish and develop relationships with others.
