Hanna Yudkivska and students of the Institute of International Relations, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, discussed the future of human rights Amid Emerging Global Threats
«The Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms is not intended to ensure comfort. It serves to uphold the principles of equality and human dignity through legal discipline. Otherwise, it risks degenerating into empty rhetoric that authoritarian regimes are eager to exploit,» emphasized Hanna Yudkivska, Partner at EQUITY, Judge of the European Court of Human Rights (2010–2022), and Chair of the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, during an open meeting at the Institute of International Relations, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, entitled «The Future of Human Rights in a World of Emerging Threats».
During the event, Ms.Yudkivska shared her extensive professional experience, insights into the case law of the European Court of human rights (ECHR) and her version regarding the transformation of the human rights protection system under rights protection system under contemporary global challenges.
The discussion focused on the following key issues:
- Crisis of confidence in the ECHR
«For an extended period, the Court effectively failed to address numerous violations committed by the Russian Federation. This has raised serious concerns regarding the Court's effectiveness and broader legitimacy of the European human rights protection system».
- The ambiguity surrounding the implementation of Article 8 of the Convention
«The provision designed to safeguard the right to respect for private and family life has,over time,been interpreted in an overly expansive manner,covering issues ranging from corporate reputation to intra-family relations. Such overextension poses risks to the principle of legal certainty».
- The Erosion of Conceptual Clarity in human rights
«Excessive expansion of interpretation of human rights norms diminishes their predictability and creates potential for misuse. It is essential to restore balance between the universality of human rights and the precision of their application».
- Ukraine as an Example of a Democratic State
«Any restriction on rights and freedoms must comply with the principles of proportionality and necessity." In countering aggression, we must refrain from replicating he methods of aggressor».
- The Post-War Future of Ukraine
«Following the cessation of hostilities, Ukraine will face a complex process of recovery. and constitutional reform. Reassessing the role of human rights within the framework of the future constitutional order will be of paramount importance».
During the discussion, Hanna Yudkivska also answered students' questions concerning the evolving role of the ECHR,the permissible limits of interpreting the Convention, and the practical aspects of protecting human rights in wartime. She encouraged future lawyers to engage in critical analysis and to approach human rights protection with both legal precision and ethical awareness.
«I am truly inspired by the consciousness and motivation of this young generation,which will rebuild Ukraine and contribute to shaping a new international legal order, pleased that such conscientious young individuals will rebuild Ukraine and establish a new international order,» concluded Ms. Yudkivska
EQUITY continues to support initiatives aimed at developing a legal culture, establishing the rule of law, and forming a new generation of lawyers focused on the values of democracy and dignity.