Sweden wants to find solutions for overburdened European Court of Human Rights
The European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg hears applications from individuals. The number of cases increases with each passing year. It would be reasonable to say that the court is overwhelmed, and the situation is growing more and more serious.
Photo: Johan Hammerby
Inger Kalmerborn is a lawyer with the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, and the European Court of Human Rights is her area of responsibility.
How does the European Court of Human Rights work today?
The situation is unsatisfactory. Even though the Court handed down over 1 500 judgements and many thousands of decisions last year, the number of cases increased. Waiting times for those who lodge their grievances with the Court is growing longer.
How can the European Court of Human Rights work better in the future?
Reform work has been underway for several years. The Court itself has taken measures to make its work more efficient. In addition, a Protocol of Amendment to the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, Protocol No. 14, has been drafted, which is intended to make the Court even more efficient. The Protocol was ready back in 2004, but unfortunately has not yet entered into force. This is because one Member State, namely Russia, has not yet acceded to it. Reform efforts also cover several recommendations of measures at national level.
Is Sweden doing anything in particular during its chairmanship to help improve the functioning of the monitoring system in accordance with the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms?
The Swedish Government will arrange a conference in Stockholm at the beginning of June that will deal with giving the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms greater impact at national level. Governments of Member States, various non-governmental organisations and the European Court of Human Rights will be represented at the conference.
What are the expectations regarding the conference?
Sweden feels it has a responsibility for the future of the convention system and wants to contribute to the work of ensuring that the European Court of Human Rights can continue to fulfil its important task of protecting human rights in Europe in an efficient manner. We hope that the conference will inspire the states to proceed with national reforms so that there will be less need to apply to the European Court of Human Rights in the future. Naturally, we also hope that Protocol 14 will enter into force quickly, which would mean major efficiency gains for the Court.
