Policy Press

Russia, the Council of Europe and the European Convention on Human Rights

A Troubled Membership and Its Legacy

By Ed Bates, Kanstantsin Dzehtsiarou and Andrew Forde

Published

Feb 18, 2025

Page count

224 pages

ISBN

978-1529232806

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

Feb 18, 2025

Page count

224 pages

ISBN

978-1529232790

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

Feb 18, 2025

Page count

224 pages

ISBN

978-1529232813

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press
Russia, the Council of Europe and the European Convention on Human Rights

Russia was expelled from the Council of Europe (CoE) after 26 years following the invasion of Ukraine.

This timely and in-depth analysis explores Russia's tumultuous relationship with the CoE/ECHR institutions. It examines Russia’s membership record and the profound impacts of its expulsion for Europe’s human rights system. The authors provide valuable insights for future policy to safeguard the integrity of international human rights institutions.

The book fills an important gap in legal scholarship by exploring the legality and legitimacy of its membership and expulsion, and represents a key reference in understanding the challenge of protecting human rights in the face of rising authoritarianism.

Ed Bates is Associate Professor at the University of Leicester.

Kanstantsin Dzehtsiarou is Professor in Human Rights Law at the University of Liverpool.

Andrew Forde is Visiting Fellow at the Irish Centre for Human Rights at the University of Galway.

1. Introduction

2. ‘Therapeutic Admission’ (1992–1998)

3. The CoE and Russia (1998–2013)

4. The CoE and Russia (2013–2022)

5. Suspension and Expulsion of Russia: Legality and Legitimacy

6. The Legacy of Russia’s Expulsion on the European Court of Human Rights

7. Conclusion – a Legacy of Bad Faith