Enhancing the right to access to justice for vulnerable groups

Motion for a resolution | Doc. 15573 | 24 June 2022

Signatories:

Ms Etilda GJONAJ, Albania, SOC ; Ms Romilda BALDACCHINO ZARB, Malta, SOC ; Ms Marina BERLINGHIERI, Italy, SOC ; Ms Arta BILALLI ZENDELI, North Macedonia, SOC ; Ms Margreet De BOER, Netherlands, SOC ; Mr Chris BONETT, Malta, SOC ; Ms Klotilda BUSHKA, Albania, SOC ; Ms María Luisa BUSTINDUY, Spain, SOC ; Ms Marina CAROBBIO GUSCETTI, Switzerland, SOC ; Ms Lise CHRISTOFFERSEN, Norway, SOC ; Mr Boriss CILEVIČS, Latvia, SOC ; Mr Titus CORLĂŢEAN, Romania, SOC ; Mr Even ERIKSEN, Norway, SOC ; Mr Pierre-Alain FRIDEZ, Switzerland, SOC ; Mr Gerardo GIOVAGNOLI, San Marino, SOC ; Ms Blerina GJYLAMETI, Albania, SOC ; Mr Antón GÓMEZ-REINO, Spain, UEL ; Mr Niklaus-Samuel GUGGER, Switzerland, EPP/CD ; Mr Domagoj HAJDUKOVIĆ, Croatia, SOC ; Mr Christophe LACROIX, Belgium, SOC ; Mr Gianni MARILOTTI, Italy, SOC ; Ms Ada MARRA, Switzerland, SOC ; Ms Marica MONTEMAGGI, San Marino, SOC ; Mr Simon MOUTQUIN, Belgium, SOC ; Mr Paulo PISCO, Portugal, SOC ; Mr Roberto RAMPI, Italy, SOC ; Ms Selin SAYEK BÖKE, Türkiye, SOC ; Mr Stefan SCHENNACH, Austria, SOC ; Ms Lise SELNES, Norway, SOC ; Ms Petra STIENEN, Netherlands, ALDE ; Ms Susana SUMELZO, Spain, SOC ; Ms Jorida TABAKU, Albania, EPP/CD

This motion has not been discussed in the Assembly and commits only those who have signed it.

Access to justice is a fundamental right and component of the rule of law that provides equal opportunities to be guaranteed to all citizens. Providing access to justice without discrimination based on economic or social situation, property, race, colour, political or religious affiliation, national or social origin, relations to a community, gender, sexual orientation, or any other personal status is of crucial importance to respect the human rights and freedoms in accordance with standards and principles guaranteed by the European Court on Human Rights.

Considering the backsliding of democracy, the raise of populist and hate speech in many countries, during a challenging time from pandemic crisis to the unprovoked war against Ukraine, that has unsettled the security architecture of all our countries, it is our duty to pay special attention to respect democracy, the rule of law and human rights.

Access to justice is a fundamental mechanism of protection for the vulnerable groups, who are often the first ones that are affected during crisis. Ensuring and making effective the access to justice for vulnerable groups is an effective tool to counter the discrimination they might face, but also upheld rule of law and protect the democracy. The international standards, strongly upheld and promoted by the Council of Europe should be introduced and enforced in all member States in order to ensure equal access to justice for vulnerable groups.

Therefore, the Parliamentary Assembly should call on the Council of Europe to continue to promote the right of access to justice in the member States, with the aim of removing the obstacles that prevent citizens, particularly vulnerable groups, from enjoying equality before the law. It is time to make access to justice a reality for all.