Any citizen who felt that a a nation refused to rectify a violation of their rights as defined by the European Convention could appeal to the ''European Court of Human Rights''. Prior to November 1998, complaints were first heard by the [[European Commission of Human Rights]], which would determine admissibility and encourage a "friendly settlement" between the individual and the nation. | Any citizen who felt that a a nation refused to rectify a violation of their rights as defined by the European Convention could appeal to the ''European Court of Human Rights''. Prior to November 1998, complaints were first heard by the [[European Commission of Human Rights]], which would determine admissibility and encourage a "friendly settlement" between the individual and the nation. |