WHLS Education and Training Committee

SUB-COMMITTEES

WHLS Education and Training Committee

The WHLS Education and Training Committee ran an interesting and topical event on 30 June, that is a talk by Associate Professor at The University of Law, Dr Andreas Yiannaros on the legal implications of Russia’s exclusion from the Council of Europe.

Dr Andreas Yiannaros

The talk explored the timeline of events leading to Russia’s withdrawal from the Council of Europe, Russia’s relationship with the Council of Europe and the impact of Russia’s exclusion on human rights regionally and globally. Through statistical data and case studies, it was shown that Russia’s relationship with the European Court has been deeply problematic – a broken relationship that was further exacerbated by rapidly evolving geopolitical developments, such as the annexation of Crimea. It was argued that, for ordinary Russian citizens who suffered and continue to suffer gross human rights violations, the European Court of Human Rights was their last resort for justice and closure. Russia’s isolation, not just from the Council of Europe but from the international community, leaves a fragile civil society exposed to further abuses, and requires the international community to move fast, in an attempt to empower human rights groups and allow them to fight for change from within.

The Committee met on 9 June to consider events for the future, which will include a session on Networking Skills, possibly a talk about Legal Technology and another on the workings of the human memory.

Sandie Gaines

Dean, London Bloomsbury Campus Associate Professor, The University of Law