EIN Statement Following Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine

EIN expresses its solidarity with our members, partners, colleagues and friends in Ukraine. Our thoughts are with them, their families, and all the people of Ukraine.

The act of aggression committed by Russia against Ukraine not only undermines the prohibition of use of force under the UN Charter, but also the object and purpose of the Council of Europe. All human rights fall victim to aggressive use of force, armed conflict and occupation.

On 25th February 2022, the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe held that Russia had seriously violated the Statute of the Council of Europe through its act of aggression in Ukraine and voted to suspend Russia’s rights of representation in the Committee of Ministers and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. EIN welcomes this necessary step.

The Russian Federation continues to be bound by the European Convention on Human Rights and is subject to the jurisdiction of the European Court of Human Rights. It is also still bound to implement judgments of the European Court of Human Rights that are pending implementation. In the event that the Russian Federation withdraws or is expelled from the Council of Europe, it will still be bound by existing judgments pending implementation. 

The Russian Federation should immediately cease hostilities in Ukraine and provide reparations for all unlawful acts it has committed. 

EIN Chair Professor Başak Çalı

February 2022 Training: NGOs and NHRIs on their role in supporting ECtHR implementation

Last week, EIN hosted a training seminar in Strasbourg on raising awareness and educating NGOs, NHRIs, and professional organisations on their role in supporting the implementation of ECHR judgments.

The training started with a presentation of the objectives of the seminar and a round table discussion between participants led by George Stafford, EIN Director.

Next, the focus shifted to NGOs and NHRIs and how they can participate in the supervisory process concerning the execution of ECtHR judgments, which contributes to protecting the rule of law in the EU. Geanina Munteanu, lawyer at the Department for the Execution of Judgments, Council of Europe, provided participants with useful insights into the supervision process of ECtHR judgments, a participatory process in which NGOs and NHRIs have their place.

The following session enabled participants to listen to testimonies by other NGOs on their respective involvement in the execution of ECtHR judgments.  Dr. Nóra Novoszádek, Senior Legal Officer, Hungarian Helsinki Committee, Hugues de Suremain, Litigation Coordinator, European Prison Litigation Network, and Dr. Krassimir Kanev, Director, Bulgarian Helsinki Committee, shared their experience with their colleagues.

After lunch, attendees were divided into break out groups to discuss how to approach the process of the execution of ECHR judgments in practice. This activity was composed of real cases currently pending implementation and how participants would/could best engage with the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. Participants gained new insights on how to proper draft submissions and strategies to have maximum impact on the execution process of a judgment and, ultimately, to contribute to better protection of human rights in the EU.

The training concluded with a presentation by Agnès Ciccarone, Programme Manager, on mistakes NGOs should avoid when drafting their submissions.

Thank everyone who participated in the training, especially those who presented and accepted to moderate breakout sessions , and we look forward to reading your future submissions.

Photo Credit: EIN

EIN would also like to thank the city of Strasbourg for co-funding this event.

February 2022 Conference: Proposals for the EU to take into account the non-implementation of judgments of the European Court of Human Rights

Last week, EIN co-hosted a conference and debate along with the Carré de Malberg Research Institute (IRCM) in Strasbourg on 17 February 2022. The Conference debate, organised under the scientific responsability of Professor Christos Giannopoulos, focused on mainstreaming the execution of European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) judgments in the European Union’s processes. The Conference included an Appeal by EIN and its partners for EU institutions to consider the execution of ECtHR judgments in the review mechanisms of the rule of law. 

The Conference began with warm welcomes by Peggy Ducoulombier, Professor at the University of Strasbourg, who also provided a short presentation on the context of rule of law backsliding in Europe.

 Next, George Stafford, EIN Director, presented on “What is the situation today regarding the consideration of ECHR judgments, and their execution, in the EU's rule of law review mechanisms?”

After George’s presentation, a panel discussion took place. Panellists included Dr. Nóra Novoszádek, Senior Legal Officer, Hungarian Helsinki Committee, Fredrik Sundberg, former Head of the Department for the Execution of Judgments of the European Court of Human Rights, and Katarina Barley, Vice-President of the European Parliament and member of the plenary assembly of the Conference on the future of Europe . EIN Board members Krassimir Kanev, chair of the Bulgarian Helsinki Committee, and Marcin Szwed, from the Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights (Poland) contributed to the exchange through video messages. You can find Mr Kanev’s video here, and Mr Szwed’s contribution here.

The Conference then turned to a public debate on the place of the ECHR judgments in the EU rule of law review mechanisms.

The final presentation was given by Agnès Ciccarone, EIN Programme Manager, on EIN’s Appeal for the European Union to take into account the execution of ECHR judgments (see the French version of the Appel here). George Stafford and Professor Christos Gioannopoulos concluded the Conference for the evening. 

Thanks to everyone who participated in the Conference, including those who followed us online. We especially thank those who presented and organized the event.

Photo Credit: EIN

EIN would also like to thank the city of Strasbourg for co-funding this event.

EIN concerned about charges against the Greek Helsinki Monitor

EIN expresses concern about the charges and upcoming trial brought by the Greek authorities against Mr. Panayote Dimitras and Ms. Andrea Gilbert, the leaders of the Greek Helsinki Monitor, which is an EIN member. 

In 2017, GHM filed a complaint against the Bishop Seraphim of Piraeus for public incitement to violence or hatred, as well as abuse of an ecclesiastical office, with respect to the pubic statements the Bishop made on 27 April 2017. According to GHM’s complaint, the Bishop's statements were antisemitic, inciting discrimination, hatred or violence against Jewish people in a way that endangered public order or posed a threat to lives, liberty or physical integrity.

The Central Board of Jewish Communities in Greece had also criticised the Bishop's public statements. However, GHM's complaint was archived, whilst the prosecution initiated charges against Mr. Dimitras and Ms. Gilbert for false accusations.

On 15 February 2022, they are expected to stand trial.

These proceedings are of great concern for EIN, raising important questions about the use of sanctions to punish and silence legitimate human rights work.