The ECHR, Socio-Economic Disadvantage and Access to Justice

Abstract

Over the past sixty years, the European Convention on Human Rights, and its interpretation of the European Court of Human Rights, has ensured the protection of many in society who may be (or were) regarded as being on the margins. From protection of civil legal aid for poor litigants, recognising the rights of private life enjoyed by lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender (LGBT) persons, the rights of religious minorities and the rights of immigrants, the ECHR has had a transformative impact, socially, culturally and legally on the protection of rights for persons in Ireland and beyond. This section of ECHR and Ireland: 60 Years and Beyond explores a number of issues and themes that impact individuals or groups in society who may be seen as on the margins of legal rights. This section focuses on two key issues: socio-economic rights and the rights of migrants.

Keywords: Access to Justice, Socio Economic Rights, European Convention of Human Rights, European Convention on Human Rights, European Human Rights Law With Special Attention to ECHR