European Human Rights Justice and Privatisation: The Growing Influence of Foreign Private Funds

Foreign private foundations and donors have become significant contributors to the European human rights justice system, creating their litigation teams, funding NGOs, and influencing judgements. This book examines the impact of this private influence on international relations, the independency of the European justice system, and the protection of human rights in Europe.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 302 pages
Publication date: 15 December 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The European human rights justice system has witnessed a significant increase in contributions from foreign private foundations and donors due to the decline in public funding and the adoption of new strategies by interest groups. These groups have taken proactive measures by establishing their own litigation teams, significantly funding NGOs that pursue cases before the European Courts, and actively contributing to the content and supervision of European judgements. These interventions have profound implications for the growth and development of human rights in Europe.

In their book titled "European Human Rights Justice and Privatisation," the authors delve into the impacts of this private influence and its consequences on international relations between states. They examine how this influence shapes the orientation of European jurisprudence towards Eastern countries and promotes private and neo-liberal interests. The book raises important questions about the direct and indirect threats posed by this private influence on the independency of the European justice system and the protection of human rights in Europe.

One of the key findings of the book is that foreign private foundations and donors have played a pivotal role in shaping the development of European human rights law. Through their funding and legal expertise, these groups have been able to influence the outcomes of cases before the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). They have supported NGOs that advocate for human rights and have contributed to the production of legal arguments and opinions that have shaped the ECHR's jurisprudence.

However, the book also highlights concerns about the potential risks associated with this private influence. It argues that the increasing reliance on private funding can undermine the independence and impartiality of the European justice system. The authors argue that private interests may conflict with the broader public interest and that the influence of donors can lead to the prioritization of certain cases over others. This can result in a skewed interpretation of human rights law and a lack of accountability for human rights violations.

Furthermore, the book raises concerns about the impact of this private influence on international relations between states. It suggests that the promotion of private and neo-liberal interests by foreign private foundations and donors can undermine the principles of state sovereignty and the rule of law. The authors argue that the influence of these groups can lead to the erosion of democratic institutions and the marginalization of vulnerable groups.

To address these concerns, the book proposes several recommendations. It calls for greater transparency and accountability in the funding of human rights NGOs and for stricter regulations to ensure that private interests do not compromise the independence of the European justice system. The authors also advocate for a more balanced approach to human rights advocacy, which should involve a range of actors, including governments, civil society society, and the media.

In conclusion, "European Human Rights Justice and Privatisation" is a thought-provoking book that sheds light on the growing influence of foreign private foundations and donors on the European human rights justice system. The book provides a comprehensive analysis of the impacts of this private influence and its consequences on international relations between states. It raises important questions about the role of private actors in shaping the development of human rights law and the need for greater transparency and accountability to ensure that the protection of human rights is not compromised. The book's recommendations offer valuable insights into how to address the challenges posed by this private influence and promote a more inclusive and democratic human rights justice system.

Weight: 456g
Dimension: 151 x 229 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108739450