Scholarly and Empirical Considerations on Expanding Access for Non-Governmental Organisations Before the European Court of Human Rights

Abstract

Non-governmental organisations (NGO s) have long been considered important actors within the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) system. Yet, their influence as litigants remains limited when a case with a specific individual, rather than a general situation, is put before the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR or Court). This article evaluates the Court’s standing requirements and in doing so, brings together various perspectives on NGO s and the strategies they pursue. By drawing upon interviews with Court officials, NGO representatives, including those with experience litigating under the collective complaints procedure of the European Social Charter (ESC), and experts who sit in the ESC Committee, it includes a stakeholder perspective on the need to further allow NGO s to engage strategically before the Court and whether inspiration can be derived from the ESC system, with specific focus on formalising greater access for NGO s.