,LCP4807 OCTOBER NOVEMBER PORTFOLIO
(COMPLETE ANSWERS) Semester 2 2024 - DUE 1
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QUESTION 1 1.1. The International Justice Resource Centre
argues that: Exhaustion of domestic remedies is usually the first
step in seeking redress for human rights violations. This step
requires that a person attempt to use available national legal
protections to seek accountability or reparation for the
violation, appealing as necessary until the claim can be pursued
no further at the national level. If a person does not receive an
adequate remedy from a national body, then he or she may
submit a complaint—a submission alleging human rights
violations—for consideration by an international human rights
court or mechanism. Write a critical essay in which you discuss
the principle of exhaustion of domestic remedies under the
European human rights system with specific reference to the
European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and
Fundamental Freedoms. (20) 1.2. Critically discuss whether
Individuals and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) can
submit communications to both the African Commission on
Human and Peoples’ Rights and the African Court on Human
and Peoples’ Rights for an alleged violation of rights. (20) 1.3.
Critically discuss whether the Universal Declaration of Human
,Rights (UDHR) has acquired the status of customary
international law. (10) [50]
QUESTION 1.1: The Principle of Exhaustion of Domestic
Remedies in the European Human Rights System
Introduction: The principle of exhaustion of domestic remedies
is central to the operation of international human rights law,
requiring individuals to seek redress through national legal
systems before turning to international bodies. This principle
serves to respect national sovereignty, allowing states the first
opportunity to address potential human rights violations within
their jurisdictions.
Exhaustion of Domestic Remedies under the European
Convention on Human Rights: The European Convention for
the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms
(ECHR) embeds the exhaustion principle in Article 35,
stipulating that applications to the European Court of Human
Rights (ECtHR) are admissible only after all effective national
remedies have been pursued. The Convention thus requires
individuals to seek justice through their country’s legal avenues
and, if necessary, through appeals to higher national courts.
Purpose and Rationale: This requirement supports several key
principles, including:
Subsidiarity: International bodies are secondary to
domestic courts, affirming the sovereignty of states.
, Judicial Efficiency: Allowing states to address violations
reduces the caseload on the ECtHR, allowing it to focus on
cases where domestic remedies have genuinely failed.
State Accountability: Encourages states to develop
effective national mechanisms for protecting human rights.
Limitations and Exceptions: However, the exhaustion rule has
limitations. The ECtHR has established exceptions where
domestic remedies are insufficient, unduly prolonged, or
ineffective, acknowledging that individuals should not be
required to pursue remedies that are unlikely to offer redress.
For instance, if a domestic judicial system lacks impartiality, an
exception may apply.
Critique and Challenges: Critics argue that the principle may
limit access to justice by forcing victims to navigate potentially
ineffective or biased domestic systems. Furthermore,
procedural formalism in the requirement may deny individuals
access to the ECtHR, even where significant violations exist.
There are also concerns about its impact on marginalized
communities, who may face greater barriers in pursuing
remedies domestically.
Conclusion: While the exhaustion of domestic remedies reflects
respect for state sovereignty and judicial efficiency, its practical
application can sometimes undermine access to justice for
victims. Thus, the principle demands careful and context-
sensitive application, with adequate consideration for
exceptions to uphold fairness and justice.