European Network of National Human Rights Institutions’ (ENNHRI) Regional Report on the state of the rule of law in Europe, as well as the Report on Armenia was published.
In July the ENNHRI’s Regional Report on the state of the rule of law in Europe was published.
For the third year in a row, National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) from around Europe have reported on challenges in the rule of law landscape in their countries. At the same time, they highlight NHRI actions to safeguard the rule of law and address recommendations to state authorities and European policy makers. These insights are compiled in ENNHRI’s third annual report on the state of the rule of law in Europe.
The reporting from 40 European countries reveals a further deterioration in the rule of law across Europe compared to last year. The Report outlines the challenges encountered and progress made in the following areas: NHRI effectiveness and independence, Human rights defenders and civil society organizations, checks and balances, functioning of the justice system, media freedom and pluralism, corruption, impact of COVID-19 response measures, structural human rights issues.
In addition, Report includes a series of key recommendations to European and national policy makers:
• Ensuring independent and effective NHRIs in compliance with the Paris Principles and an enabling environment for NHRIs with a strong mandate, adequate resources and cooperation;
• Providing a supportive framework for HRDs,
• Enhancing checks and balances;
• Ensuring fair appointments and proper administration of justice, as well as improving access to justice;
• Ensuring freedom of expression, access to information, and the protection of journalists and media outlets from attacks and the abuse of laws;
• Strengthening frameworks to prevent and fight corruption,
• Ensuring legality, proportionality and democratic oversight of COVID-19 measures,
• Securing timely and effective implementation of judgments of regional courts.
Armenia’s Rule of Law Report 2022 reflected on issues such as independence and effectiveness of the Defender’s Institution, adoption of the new Criminal and Criminal Procedure Codes of the Republic of Armenia, combating hate speech and insults directed against human rights defenders and CSOs operating in this field, activities of judiciary, including the regulations related to the selection and appointment of judges, current system of distribution of cases, increase in the fees of state duty for applying to the courts, media freedom, pluralism and safety of journalists, as well as promotion and protection of rule of law and human rights in the context of emergency situations and COVID-19.
