Dialogue with regional human rights courts
Judicial dialogue is not limited to courts within the Convention legal space.
In 2018 the European Court of Human Rights, together with the African Court of Human and Peoples’ Rights and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, adopted the San José Declaration and established a Permanent Forum of Institutional Dialogue which is to meet every two years. The sister courts publish a Joint Law Report, covering the leading case‑law of the preceding year and maintain regular dialogue through their respective Registries. Since the adoption of the first San José Declaration, biennial meetings have been held by judges from the three regional courts in 2020, 2021 and 2023.
In addition, fruitful contacts have been developed with, for instance, the Supreme Court of Japan, the Constitutional Court of Korea, the Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the National High Court of Brazil or the Ibero-American Union of Universities and Supreme Courts.
Judicial dialogue is not limited to courts within the Convention legal space.
In 2018 the European Court of Human Rights, together with the African Court of Human and Peoples’ Rights and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, adopted the San José Declaration and established a Permanent Forum of Institutional Dialogue which is to meet every two years. The sister courts publish a Joint Law Report, covering the leading case‑law of the preceding year and maintain regular dialogue through their respective Registries. Since the adoption of the first San José Declaration, biennial meetings have been held by judges from the three regional courts in 2020, 2021 and 2023.
In addition, fruitful contacts have been developed with, for instance, the Supreme Court of Japan, the Constitutional Court of Korea, the Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the National High Court of Brazil or the Ibero-American Union of Universities and Supreme Courts.
Declarations
San José Declarations
Joint Declaration of the Presidents of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the European Court of Human Rights and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, on the occasion of the 40th Anniversary of the entry into force of the American Convention on Human Rights and the creation of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights was signed on 18 July 2018. A second Declaration was signed on 26 May 2023 on the occasion of the 3rd International Human Rights Forum held in San José.
Kampala Declaration
The African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the European Court of Human Rights and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights at the First International Human Rights Forum on 28 to 29 October 2019 signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the three courts to operationalize the International Human Rights Forum.
Events
4th International Human Rights Forum of regional human rights courts in Arusha
On 3 and 4 March 2026, the fourth International Human Rights Forum between the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights, the European Court of Human Rights and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights took place in Arusha, the United Republic of Tanzania.
During the forum, which brought together judges and staff from the three regional courts, the ECHR was represented by its Vice-President and judge elected in respect of Norway, Arnfinn Bårdsen, the judge elected in respect of Germany, Anja Seibert-Fohr, and Deputy Registrar Abel Campos.
The opening speech of the President of the Court highlighted the importance of the Forum as an excellent opportunity to share knowledge and deepen ties. It also underlined the need for cooperation between the regional courts, for judicial unity, and for continued dialogue on case-law.
Inter-Registry roundtable discussion with regional human rights courts
A two-day virtual roundtable discussion was held on 26 and 27 August 2025, bringing together members of the Registry of the ECHR, the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, the ECOWAS Court of Justice, and the East African Court of Justice.
Registrars and members of the Registry discussed issues of common interest and shared experiences on topics related to the work of the Courts.
These meetings enhance judicial dialogue at a technical level and strengthen cooperation among the Courts, while allowing for sharing of experience.
In 2018, the ECHR, together with the African Court of Human and Peoples’ Rights and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, adopted the San José Declaration and established a Permanent Forum of Institutional Dialogue. These courts also publish a Joint Law Report, covering the leading case law of the preceding year.
Third International Human Rights Forum
A second Declaration of San José was signed on the occasion on 26 May 2023.
Second International Human Rights Forum
The event took place by video-link and the video is now available.
Dialogue between Human Rights Courts
The European Court of Human Rights, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights and the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights have held their first online Dialogue on the impact of Covid-19 on human rights.
This Dialogue between the three regional Human Rights Courts took place on 9 July 2020 and is part of the ongoing cooperation between these Courts, in the context of the San José Declaration (2018) and the Kampala Declaration (2019).
Seminar organised by the ECHR and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights
Three panels addressed the topics of fact-finding and cooperation with respondent Governments, enforced disappearances, and international humanitarian law.
Official visit by a delegation of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights
From 20 to 23 October 2014, a delegation of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights visited the Court, headed by its President, Humberto Antonio Sierra Porto. On 20 and 21 October the visiting judges took part in roundtable discussions with Judges of the Court, members of the Registry and members of the Venice Commission.