Episode 28: The way forward is to expand ECHR guarantees

As we come towards the end of this series, it is important to think about ways to remedy the weaknesses that have been identified. In this podcast, I recommend that the European Court of Human Rights expands its interpretation of especially three articles of the European Convention on Human Rights.

 

Article 3 concerns inhuman and degrading treatment. Its application is dependent upon a ‘high threshold’ being met. Judges should try to put themselves in the shoes of migrant applicants before accepting the idea that this threshold is not met.

Article 6 is about having access to an independent and impartial judge and to be legally represented. As previously stressed, it is simply terrible that Article 6 is held not to apply to immigration matters. Maaouia must be reversed.

Article 14 concerns the prohibition of discrimination. The Court tends not to use it very much in its case law, preferring to focus on substantive rights. However, it is very important that the Court starts recognising and denouncing practices of discrimination more often – including on ground of nationality.

To download a copy of this podcast, right-click the following link: HRM28 The way forward- Expanding Articles 3:8, 6 and 14 ECHR