ÖVP plan for human rights protection: politics or hypocrisy?

ÖVP plan for human rights protection: politics or hypocrisy?

The advance of Federal Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP) to change the Practice of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in the migration area causes great discussions in Austrian politics. According to a report by Dolomitenstadt , the SPÖ and NEOS vehement criticize this initiative. Petra Bayr from the SPÖ described the advance as "very problematic" and emphasizes the independence of the case law. It emphasizes that the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) is a basic building block of human rights legislation and the interpretation is reserved for the courts, especially the ECHR.

Stephanie Krisper from the Neos sees the advance as "soloable" and criticizes political calls to independent courts. While the European Minister Claudia Plakolm (ÖVP) supports the discussion about the ECHR and emphasized the need to be able to deport offense asylum seekers, she points out that the ECHR is part of the Austrian constitution and thus binds the hands of the government. This raises the question to what extent political pressure on the judiciary can be exerted and whether this affects independence.

political debate and reactions

The FPÖ, on the other hand, supports the advance, but the ÖVP accuses "Double morality and hypocrisy", since the ÖVP had previously rejected a similar proposal. This argument in political space reflects a broader debate that goes beyond Austria, and combines with the current situation in other European countries, which also focus on the ECHR. European Council General Secretary Alain Berset criticizes the initiative of nine EU countries that are aiming for a change in the ECHR and warns of political pressure on the judiciary.

In the context of this political relevance, the ECHR plays a central role, especially with regard to the protection of human rights in Europe. The ECHR, which was signed on November 4, 1950 and has been in force since 1953, applies to over 700 million people in 46 countries and guarantees fundamental rights such as freedom of expression, the right to fair legal proceedings and protection against torture and slavery. In a current decision, the ECHR found that judgments against a German opponent of abortion were a violation of the ECHR. The man received compensation of around 14,000 euros for the restrictions on his freedom of expression. This shows once again how crucial the application of the ECHR for the individual rights of citizens in Europe.

multi -layered importance of the ECHR

The ECHR is the central instrument for protecting human rights in Europe and is updated regularly. The first additional protocol from 1952 to protect property and the right to education as well as the extensive ban on discrimination are essential components. The ECHR is the control of the states to comply with the ECHR as a permanent Court of Justice, which has been responsible since 1998. This has changed the surface of the political debates by expanding the conflicts not only to national, but also to European affairs.

Overall, the debate about the ECHR is not only a political strategist game, but is in direct connection with human rights in Europe and the responsibility that both governments and companies bear in order to maintain and protect universal human rights. Therefore, it remains to be seen how these topics will develop within the political landscape.