OSCE presents research on implementation of European Court on Human Rights decisions by Armenia

The implementation of European Court on Human Rights (ECtHR) decisions and the importance of third party opinions (amicus curiae) in domestic and international instances were the focus of a workshop held on 19 December 2013 in Yerevan.

The event, organized by the OSCE Office in Yerevan and the Armenian Chamber of Advocates, aimed at enhancing oversight mechanisms for the protection of human rights in domestic and international instances.

The event brought together representatives from the Ministry of Justice, Constitutional Court and judiciary, Human Rights Defender’s Office, as well as lawyers and experts from civil society.

During the workshop, research findings on the monitoring and execution of ECtHR decisions and amicus curiae briefs on cases related to Armenia, were presented by the Chamber of Advocates and independent legal experts. The research reviewed the implementation of 48 ECHR decisions related to Armenia. The Council of Europe’s new supervision mechanisms were also presented, as well as changes in legislation and practice related to such issues, as administrative detention, re-opening of closed cases and etc.

Ambassador Andrey Sorokin, Head of the OSCE Office in Yerevan, said: "The submission of third party briefs happens in many countries and the procedures of international courts and tribunals are regarded as very efficient. We hope that today’s discussion facilitated the sharing of opinions on judicial practices and resulted in recommendations for improvements in the implementation of ECtHR decisions in Armenia."