On 13 December 2023, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) held a hearing in the case Ukraine v. Russia (re Crimea) due to Russia’s control of Crimea. Russia did not send a representative for the hearing following its exit from the Convention in September 2022.
Ukraine, presenting its case, accused Russia of forcibly taking Crimea in 2014, calling it an act of aggression that breaks international laws. They described the takeover as a “coup” and claimed Russia, through this occupation, has been responsible for numerous human rights violations, particularly against those opposing their rule. Ukraine emphasized the urgent need for accountability for these violations.
Watch the video of the hearing.
The case against Russia in the ECHR began after the 2014 occupation, with Ukraine claiming that Russia’s actions have breached several aspects of the European Convention on Human Rights, including rights to life, freedom from torture, liberty and security, and fair trial.
In 2014, Russian forces took over the Crimean Autonomous Assembly, leading to a declaration of independence from Ukraine and Russia’s subsequent control over Crimea. This event was a key factor in the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian conflict, which escalated with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The ECHR has previously declared that some of Ukraine and the Netherlands’ claims against Russia are partially valid.
Ukraine has lodged several complaints against Russia in the ECHR. The court has also noted that there are over 7,400 pending cases against Russia concerning issues in Crimea, eastern Ukraine, the Sea of Azov, and the broader Ukrainian war.
