International talks to revolutionise how the European Court of Human Rights handles migration cases will begin on Wednesday. The British government is urging partners to modernise the way states tackle the continent-wide illegal migration crisis. The talks are the most significant sign yet that international human rights law could be reinterpreted to make it easier for states to target people smuggling and set up 'returns hubs' to hold people with no right to be in Europe.
The political head of the body that oversees the European Convention on Human Rights has told the BBC that it is 'absolutely ready' to discuss reforms amid pressure from the UK and other countries over migration. Speaking exclusively to the BBC, Alain Berset, the secretary general of the Council of Europe, predicted that quitting international human rights law would leave the UK 'isolated' on the world stage.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has described illegal immigration as a "scourge" which is affecting the country on a "historic and unprecedented" scale. Farage will outline his party's plans to tackle small boats crossings later on Tuesday, pledging to detain and deport people coming into the UK illegally. He will also propose significant legal changes and question whether Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is on the side of human rights lawyers or the British people.
Google's Irish unit and parent firm have successfully challenged excessive fines imposed by Russian authorities, which could reach astronomical amounts, in the European Court of Human Rights.
Rape survivor and activist Hazel Behan is determined to hold authorities accountable, alleging that Portugal's investigation of Christian Bruckner's 2004 case was inadequate and contributed to his acquittal.
