Under Rule 9 of the Rules of the Committee of Ministers, National Human Rights Institutions and Civil Society Organisations have the opportunity to submit communications on the execution of judgments of the European Court of Human Rights. These communications can relate to general and individual measures or procedural issues.

To strengthen the Armenian Human Rights Defender’s role in this process, a new initiative has been launched to enhance their capacity to prepare detailed and well-structured Rule 9 submissions.

The Human Rights Defender’s Office of Armenia is preparing to submit Rule 9 submissions in the coming months related to two judgments of the European Court of Human Rights under the enhanced supervision of the Committee of Ministers.

A workshop organised by the Council of Europe on 22 January, explored the process of drafting effective Rule 9 submissions. The event highlighted the vital role of the National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) in contributing to the Committee of Ministers' monitoring efforts.

Through their contributions, NHRIs can help ensure that European Court of Human Rights judgments are fully implemented and bring about the necessary reforms. The workshop offered practical guidance on preparing Rule 9 submissions, covering key steps and best practices. Participants also explored the best practices of other member states   in preparing Rule 9 submissions to address human rights challenges and advocate for systemic changes in their countries.

Nina Pirumyan, Secretary General of the Human Rights Defender’s Office, emphasised that the discussion of issues related to the Rule 9 submissions on the implementation of European Court of Human Rights judgments is relevant, considering the positive practice formed by the Human Rights Defender’s Office of Armenia in this regard, as well as the importance and commitment to ensuring its continuity. The Secretary General of the Office added that the analysis of the state of implementation of European Court of Human Rights judgments in Armenia and the Rule 9 submissions have double significance from the perspective of the Ombudsperson’s activities. In particular, addressing human rights issues in the context of the implementation of European Court of Human Rights judgments can promote both the implementation of the Ombudsman’s recommendations at the local level and contribute to the process of implementation of European Court of Human Rights judgments themselves.

This event was organised by the Council of Europe’s Division of Co-operation Programmes under the project “Strengthening human rights safeguards for the displaced population in Armenia”.