Court hosts biennial meeting with NGOs and litigators
On 20 March 2026, the Court hosted its biennial meeting with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and litigators, bringing together almost 80 NGO representatives in person and approximately a hundred online. Judges of the Court and members of its Registry joined NGO representatives and litigators to discuss practical issues related to bringing a case and to share perspectives on the operation of the Convention system.
In his opening remarks, the President of the Court, Mattias Guyomar, highlighted the contribution of civil society actors at all stages of the proceedings: as applicants, as third-party interveners helping ensure that the Court’s assessment is solidly grounded in the local context, and as advocates for the Court in disseminating its case law and supporting the implementation of its judgments. He also stressed the broader role of civil society in defending democracy and the rule of law. Non-governmental organisations, as well as national human rights institutions, Ombudsperson institutions, and national bar associations, serve as non-judicial counter powers (contre pouvoirs) that work together to safeguard and develop human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.
The Registrar of the Court, Marialena Tsirli, underlined that the motto “a Court for all” reflects the notion that human rights are for everyone, and that the Court is open to everyone. She added that the Court attaches great importance to dialogue with external partners such as NGOs, which contribute to its work, disseminate its case law, and maximise its impact. From January 2021 to December 2025, the Court granted over 1,800 requests from NGOs for leave to intervene as third parties in Chamber and Grand Chamber cases, she noted.
The meeting also featured three sessions focused on the Court’s approach to case processing, communications with applicants and third parties, case law developments, and procedural matters. Ivana Jelić, Vice President of the Court and judge elected in respect of Montenegro, Anna Adamska-Gallant, judge elected in respect of Poland, Juha Lavapuro, judge elected in respect of Finland and judicial focal point on civil society, Abel Campos, Deputy Registrar of the Court, Anna Austin, Jurisconsult, Klaudiusz Ryngielewicz, Deputy to the Registrar, and other Registry staff contributed to the discussions.