With the framework of the theme «Human rights in a post-war Europe» the article deals with such issues as the following: the genesis of the European Convention on Human Rights, its structure as of the European Bill of Rights, its difference with the International Bill of Rights, as well as stages of development of the European Court of Human Rights, its main achievements in the conditions of diversity of legal thought and legal cultures on the continent. The substance of uniqueness of the European system of protection of human rights is highlighted.