Two-days-conference: "International cooperation under the European Convention on Human Rights"
This conference, hosted in Liverpool, GBR, focuses on the critical theme of international cooperation within the framework of the European Convention on Human Rights. It provides a platform for college-level participants to engage with the complexities and challenges of upholding human rights across national borders. The event emphasizes the collaborative efforts required to ensure the Convention's principles are effectively implemented and respected.
Committees & topics
Topics
Convention Rights and Climate Change · Refugee and Immigration Control · Criminal Cooperation under the Convention · Convention Obligations and Membership in the EU and Other International Organisations · Procedural Duties to Cooperate with the Court: Pending Cases and Enforcement of Judgments
Why it matters
The European Convention on Human Rights is a foundational document for human rights protection across a significant portion of the globe, impacting numerous countries. Understanding the mechanisms and challenges of international cooperation under this Convention is crucial for maintaining peace, stability, and justice. The conference's focus on this topic highlights the ongoing need for dialogue and shared strategies among nations to address human rights issues effectively.
In a world where human rights are frequently challenged by geopolitical shifts and domestic pressures, the role of international cooperation becomes even more pronounced. This event offers an opportunity to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of current cooperative frameworks and to explore innovative approaches to bolster human rights protections. For those involved in diplomacy, law, and international relations, the discussions will be vital for navigating the intricate landscape of human rights governance.
How to prepare
To prepare for this conference, participants should undertake a thorough review of the European Convention on Human Rights, including its articles, protocols, and the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights. A strong understanding of the Convention's historical context and its evolution is essential. Additionally, familiarizing oneself with contemporary human rights challenges in Europe and beyond will provide valuable context for the discussions.
Consider exploring the concept of "hidden stakeholders" within human rights frameworks, as outlined in the Model Diplomat lesson on the topic. Understanding who the less obvious actors are in human rights protection and how they influence outcomes can provide a more nuanced perspective. Furthermore, applying "dynamic analysis" to case studies related to international cooperation under the Convention, as detailed in the Model Diplomat lesson, will enable a deeper engagement with the material and foster more insightful contributions during the conference.
Country perspectives
Where the most-relevant 5 countries stand on the core issues in play. Click through for the full country profile.
United KingdomAs the host nation, GBR plays a significant role in facilitating discussions on human rights cooperation, while also navigating its own relationship with European human rights mechanisms post-Brexit.
Role in topic
GBR, as a signatory to the European Convention on Human Rights, has historically been a key player in its implementation and interpretation. Hosting this conference underscores its continued engagement with human rights discourse, even as its legal and political landscape evolves in relation to European institutions.
FranceFRA is a foundational member of the Council of Europe and a strong advocate for human rights protection, often contributing to the development of European human rights law.
Role in topic
FRA's historical commitment to human rights and its active participation in the Council of Europe make it a central voice in discussions about the Convention. Its legal and diplomatic contributions often shape the direction of international cooperation in this area.
GermanyDEU is a staunch supporter of international human rights law and often champions strengthening the European human rights system through multilateral cooperation.
Role in topic
DEU's post-war commitment to human rights has positioned it as a leading proponent of the European Convention. Its perspective on international cooperation is often focused on reinforcing the rule of law and ensuring effective remedies for human rights violations.
TürkiyeTUR, a signatory to the Convention, faces ongoing scrutiny regarding its human rights record, making its perspective on international cooperation particularly complex and relevant.
Role in topic
TUR's engagement with the European Convention on Human Rights is characterized by both its obligations as a signatory and the challenges it faces in implementing certain provisions. Its experience offers a critical case study for understanding the complexities of international cooperation and compliance.
UkraineUKR's current geopolitical situation highlights the critical importance of international human rights protections and the mechanisms for cooperation in times of conflict.
Role in topic
UKR's ongoing challenges underscore the vital role of the European Convention on Human Rights in protecting individuals during conflict and the necessity of robust international cooperation to address widespread human rights abuses. Its experiences provide a stark reminder of the Convention's practical application.
Topics & background
The background behind each topic and the actors that shape it.
Convention Rights and Climate Change
Key players
SwitzerlandRespondent in KlimaSeniorinnen and test case for ECHR climate obligations
- France
Respondent in Carême and key EU climate policy driver
PortugalLead respondent in Duarte Agostinho, shaping extraterritoriality doctrine
- Germany
Major emitter whose Federal Constitutional Court 2021 climate ruling parallels Strasbourg case law
- United Kingdom
Non-EU Council of Europe member balancing net-zero commitments with ECHR supervision
NorwayEnergy producer facing domestic and Strasbourg-style climate litigation
Refugee and Immigration Control
Key players
- United Kingdom
Architect of the Rwanda offshoring policy and critic of Rule 39 interim measures
ItalyLead state on Mediterranean operations and the Italy–Albania protocol
GreeceFront-line state repeatedly litigated for pushbacks and reception conditions
PolandRespondent in Belarus-border cases on access to asylum procedures
SpainRespondent in N.D. and N.T. on summary returns at enclaves
- Turkey
Key transit state and partner in EU-Türkiye Statement implementation
Criminal Cooperation under the Convention
Key players
- United Kingdom
Originator of the Soering doctrine and major extradition jurisdiction
- Germany
Frequent issuing and executing state under the EAW with leading constitutional case law
- France
Respondent in Bivolaru and Moldovan, shaping EAW–ECHR interface
RomaniaIssuing state whose prison conditions triggered Strasbourg scrutiny of surrenders
- Poland
Focus of rule-of-law-based refusals to execute EAWs
- Turkey
Active requester of extraditions raising Article 3 and Article 6 concerns
Convention Obligations and Membership in the EU and Other International Organisations
Key players
IrelandRespondent in the foundational Bosphorus case on EU-law implementation
LatviaRespondent in Avotiņš, narrowing the equivalent-protection presumption
- France
Driver of EU accession negotiations and CFSP carve-out debates
- Germany
Key voice on the EU–ECHR institutional architecture and Solange tradition
- United Kingdom
Respondent in Al-Jedda and Behrami-line cases on UN-mandated operations
NetherlandsRespondent in Srebrenica-related litigation on attribution between states and the UN
Procedural Duties to Cooperate with the Court: Pending Cases and Enforcement of Judgments
Key players
- Turkey
Subject of the Kavala Article 46(4) infringement proceedings
AzerbaijanFirst state targeted under Article 46(4) in the Mammadov case
- United Kingdom
Recent critic of Rule 39 interim measures and prisoner-voting line of judgments
HungaryState with significant non-executed judgments on rule-of-law issues
- Italy
Long-standing pilot-judgment respondent on length of proceedings and prison conditions
- Ukraine
Major applicant and respondent state with extensive enforcement and inter-state caseload
Resources
News, lessons, and country profiles to prep for Two-days-conference: "International cooperation under the European Convention on Human Rights".
Lessons
Bite-sized lessons to build the basics
Courses
Guided courses that go deeper on the topic
The states in play, with the data that shapes their stance
United KingdomCountry dossier
SwitzerlandCountry dossier
FranceCountry dossier
PortugalCountry dossier
GermanyCountry dossier
NorwayCountry dossier
ItalyCountry dossier
GreeceCountry dossier
PolandCountry dossier
SpainCountry dossier
Country dossier
RomaniaCountry dossier
IrelandCountry dossier
LatviaCountry dossier
NetherlandsCountry dossier
AzerbaijanCountry dossier
HungaryCountry dossier
UkraineCountry dossier