Improved human rights protection in Europe

Norway welcomes the decision of the Russian State Duma to approve ratification of Protocol No. 14 to the European Convention on Human Rights.

“We welcome the decision of the State Duma. We have waited for this for a long time. Now I expect Russia to ratify the protocol in the near future. This will be important in order to enable the European Court of Human Rights to contribute effectively to human rights protection in Europe,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. 

Protocol No. 14 to the European Convention on Human Rights was adopted by the Council of Europe  in 2004 as part of a reform package aimed at securing the future of the European Court of Human Rights. The Court is in danger of  collapsing due to an explosive growth in the number of applications to the Court. Protocol No. 14 will simplify the Court’s procedures in clear-cut cases and make it more efficient. 

Russia has for a long time been the only state among the 47 members of the Council of Europe that has not ratified the protocol, thereby preventing its entry into force. 

“Norway has repeatedly urged Russia to ratify the protocol. Both the Prime Minister and I have raised this matter with our Russian counterparts. The Duma’s decision on Friday is a positive signal of continued support for the European human rights system,” said Mr Støre.