The European Convention on Human Rights is celebrating its 75th anniversary. Adopted in 1950 in the aftermath of the Second World War, it guarantees individual rights against states, and any individual can invoke it. International justice remains truly the only weapon available to the civilised world against the worst crimes. There has been much criticism of the Convention's rulings on national security and immigration. But no state has dared to question its existence, as it symbolises the rule of law and fundamental freedoms. The Convention remains an essential pillar of democracy and a treasure that Europeans can be proud of and must preserve at all costs.