The ECHR at 70: A Living Instrument in Precarious Present-day Conditions The European Court of Human Rights must respond immediately to cases where it is argued that judicial independence is undermined. The Court should review its priority policy as well as its practice concerning interim measures. Rick Lawson • February 07, 2020 • 3 comments
The fallacy of reactive regulation: AI bias as an unchecked tool of systemic oppression The rapid integration of new artificial intelligence systems into our lives has raised a number of grave human rights concerns. A proactive regulatory framework is necessary to address the potential for profuse systemic bias in these systems. Waruguru Gaitho • January 08, 2020 • 1 comment
Otegi Mondragon et al. v. Spain - The impartiality of the Audiencia Nacional in the spotlight Judicial impartiality is of fundamental importance to anyone facing trial, and especially to those facing criminal prosecution. This blog offers a detailed analysis of the Otegi case and exposes the current state of the Spanish judicial system. Alejo Fernández Martín • December 11, 2018
The Dutch Climate Case Judgment: Human Rights Potential and Constitutional Unease The Hague Court of Appeals has confirmed that the Dutch state must reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by 2020. Could such a precise obligation be inferred from human rights norms, and Articles 2 and 8 ECHR in particular? Ingrid Leijten • October 22, 2018
Viewing (Local) Housing Issues as Human Rights Issues What do the Grenfell Tower drama and policies regulating caravan sites have in common? Both, in essence, concern the human right to housing. Luckily, this link is increasingly being emphasized. Ingrid Leijten • September 11, 2018
„Wir sind gekommen, um zu bleiben!“ Under which circumstances can an irregular migrant successfully rely on the right to respect for private life to obtain lawful residence in a host state? Mark Klaassen • June 29, 2018
The EU, Poland and the rule of law: writing a new chapter As the Council starts to discuss the rule of law in Poland, the EU enters a new stage as a guardian of human rights in its member states. Some observers have claimed that the Commission acted too late and did too little, but this criticism is undeserved. Rick Lawson • June 25, 2018 • 1 comment
Human Rights Going Local - CoE Handbook Provides Suggestions for Local and Regional Authorities Local authorities are increasingly seen as potential guarantors of human rights. A new handbook includes numerous best practices and recommendations, yet legal realities may still hamper efforts, while prioritisation remains important. Ingrid Leijten and Anna Stupers • April 10, 2018
Combating harassment through education Initiatives such as the #MeToo campaign and the criminalisation of certain forms of harassment are insufficient in tackling discrimination of different groups. Empowerment of disadvantaged groups can best be achieved through education. Jasmina Mackic • March 13, 2018
