System of advisory opinions under the European Convention on Human Rights into force

Protocol No. 16 to the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms on a system of advisory opinions entered into force on 1 August 2018.

In future, the highest national courts may request the European Court of Human Rights to give advisory opinions. In Finland, such national courts are the Supreme Court, the Supreme Administrative Court, the Labour Court and the Insurance Court.

Advisory opinions can be requested on the interpretation and application of the rights and freedoms that are defined in the Convention and its Protocols.

The aim of the new system is to improve the implementation of the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms at national level. The system will also enhance the interaction between the European Court of Human Rights and national courts.

To date, ten Member States of the Council of Europe have ratified the system on advisory opinions.

More information about the Protocol is available on the website of the European Court of Human Rights at https://www.echr.coe.int/Pages/home.aspx?p=basictexts&c(Link to another website.) (Opens New Window).

Inquiries: Krista Oinonen, Director, Unit for Human Rights Courts and Conventions, tel. +358 295 351 172.

The Foreign Ministry’s email addresses are in the format [email protected].