What must qualified rights under the ECtHR meet to limit their exercise?

Qualified rights under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), as interpreted by the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR), can be limited under specific conditions, which is precisely why option B is the correct choice.

The criteria outlined—lawful, legitimate, and necessary or proportionate—are essential to ensure that any limitation on a qualified right is justified and does not undermine the essence of that right. Firstly, being "lawful" means that any restriction must have a basis in law and should not be arbitrary. Secondly, the limitation must be "legitimate," which means it should pursue a goal recognized as important, such as national security, public safety, or the rights of others. Lastly, the principle of "necessity/proportionality" requires that the restriction is appropriate to achieve the stated goal and that there is no less restrictive means available to achieve that objective.

This framework helps balance individual rights with societal interests, ensuring that the exercise of rights is not unrestricted but rather operates within a context that considers the greater good.

The other options do not reflect the legal framework appropriately. Cultural practices may inform the application of rights but are not a requisite for limiting them; limitations must instead be grounded in legal parameters as specified