Access to Justice before International Human Rights Bodies: Reflections on the Practice of the UN Human Rights Committee and the European Court of Human Rights

Abstract

This chapter describes access to justice before International Human Rights bodies, focusing on the UN Human Rights Committee and the European Court of Human Rights. It also discusses the two human rights treaties, the requirement of exhausting domestic remedies, and issues of standing before the Human Rights Committee (HRC) and the European Court of Human Rights. One dimension of the effectiveness of access to justice on the international level relates to the existence and effect of interim measures of protection while a case is pending before an international body. In addition, availability of legal aid, and reform of the European court of human rights, are addressed.