Mattias Guyomar, President of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), has called for human rights and the rule of law to remain at the heart of international governance as the world faces profound geopolitical and societal transformations.
Speaking at the Académie des sciences morales et politiques in Paris, Guyomar delivered a lecture titled “A World in Profound Transformation: From the Deconstruction to the Reconstruction of the World Order.” He reflected on the evolution of international law since the Second World War and the enduring importance of the European Convention on Human Rights in safeguarding democracy and fundamental freedoms.
Guyomar argued that today’s global challenges—including armed conflicts, political instability, and shifting international alliances—underscore the continued relevance of strong legal institutions. He stressed that the protection of human rights should not be viewed as an obstacle to security but as a cornerstone of lasting peace, justice, and democratic resilience.
The ECHR President also highlighted the Court’s role in ensuring that the Convention remains a living instrument capable of responding to new legal and societal challenges while preserving the fundamental values on which the European human rights system is built.
His address comes at a time when international institutions are facing increasing pressure, reinforcing the message that respect for human rights, judicial independence, and the rule of law remains essential for rebuilding confidence in the global order.
