ECHR applications to be submitted online

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has launched a new service, on a trial basis, to enable applicants to fill out the Court’s application form on-line via its internet site.

According to a press release by the ECHR, initially this service will be available only for applicants using Swedish or Dutch application forms.

Depending on the outcome of the trial, it may subsequently be extended to the other official languages of the member states of the Council of Europe.

When filling out the form, applicants can save their changes at any stage and can then return to complete the form at any time. Once the form is fully completed the applicant can submit it.

This will trigger a service which will automatically send via email the completed version of the form in PDF format to the applicant who must then print it, sign it and post it on to the Court, with any relevant annexes and within the time-limit indicated.

Meanwhile, the Court also announced an updated film about the Court and its working practices and activities, entitled ''the Conscience of Europe''.

The documentary lasts 15 minutes and is intended for the general public.

It shows specific examples of cases examined by the Court and considers its prospects over the forthcoming years and the challenges facing it.

It is currently available in French, English and German.