Европейская
Комиссия по Правам Человека: организация, процедура, деятельность
European
Commission of Human Rights : Organisation, procedure and activities
Rules
of Procedure of the European Commission of Human Rights
Европейская
Комиссия по Правам Человека: организация, процедура, деятельность.
(Информационная
заметка Секретариата Европейской Комиссии по Правам Человека январь 1998)
Конвенция
и её органы
Организация
Комиссии
Процедура
рассмотрения индивидуальных жалоб
Деятельность
Комиссии
1. В первой части Конвенции о защите прав человека и основных свобод определены права и свободы, которые она охраняет.
2. Конвенция предусматривает создание органов, которые призваны обеспечивать соблюдение договаривающимися сторонами обязательств, определенных Конвенцией:
Европейской Комиссии по правам человека и Европейского суда по правам человека. Тем не менее. Конвенция предоставляет Комитету Министров возможность самостоятельно рассматривать дело, в случае если оно не передается в Суд, равно как и полномочия на выполнение решений Суда, если дело было передано в Суд.
3. Конвенция вступила в силу 3-го сентября 1953 года. На сегодняшний день она ратифицирована всеми Государствами-членами Совета Европы1 кроме России.
4. К настоящему моменту
вступили в силу девять Протоколов, четыре из которых (1,4, 6 и 7) прибавляют
новые права и свободы к уже гарантированным Конвенцией. Протоколом N0.
8 предусмотрена возможность заседать Палатам Комиссии и создавать Комитеты,
состоящие по меньшей мере из трёх членов, которые имеют право единогласно
отказывать в принятии явно неприемлемых жалоб. Протокол N0. 9, который
вступил в силу 1 октября 1994 года (в отношении
государств, ратифицировавших его), предполагает прямой доступ для лиц,
подающих жалобы в Европейский суд по правам человека. Протоколом N0. 10,
который пока не вступил в силу,
предусмотрено, что
решения Комитета Министров принимаются обыкновенным большинством голосов,а
не большинством в две трети голосов, необходимым в настоящее время (см.
пункт 20).Протокол N0. 11, целью которого является всеобщая реформа механизма
Конвенции и установление единого Суда по правам человека, был ратифирован
всеми Странами по Конвенции. Протокол вступить в силу 1 ноября 1998.
5. С тех пор как Конвенция вступила в силу. Комиссии могут быть представлены на рассмотрение государственные жалобы, в которых каждое Государство, являющееся Стороной по Конвенции, может известить Комиссию о нарушении положений Конвенции со стороны другого договаривающегося Государства. Таким образом Государства участвуют в сохранении того, что называется европейским общественным порядком.
6. Комиссия компетентна
рассматривать также и индивидуальные жалобы, представленью ей любым физическим
лицом, неправительственной организацией или группой лиц, в которых содержатся
заявления о нарушении Конвенции одной из договаривающихся сторон. Всеми
договаривающимися сторонами подписана факультативная декларация о признании
полномочий Комиссии относительно рассмотрения индивидуальных жалоб.
7. Число членов Комиссии равно числу Договаривающихся Сторон и в ней не может состоять более одного гражданина каждого Государства.
Члены Комиссии избираются Комитетом Министров сроком на шесть лет из списка, представленного Президиумом Парламентской Ассамблеи по предложению каждой группы представителей Высоких Договаривающихся Сторон Ассамблеи.
Члены Комиссии заседают в Комиссии в личном качестве и не являются представителями какого-либо Государства. Они полностью независимы. Вознаграждение членам Комиссии оплачивается из бюджета Совета Европы.
8. Вся деятельность Комиссии протекает при закрытых дверях, и дела рассматриваются конфиденциально.
Комиссия принимает свой внутренний регламент, выбирает Председателя сроком на три года. Каждая Палата выбирает своего Председателя и его заместителя, срок полномочий которых длится 18 месяцев.
Комиссия не является постоянным органом. Каждый год она проводит заседания в течении 16-ти недель.
9. Постоянный Секретариат, оказывающий содействие Комиссии в осуществлении её функций, состоит примерно из 100 человек, около половины из них - юристы разных национальностей.
Практически каждая жалоба адресована Секретарю Комиссии. Процесс ее рассмотрения не предполагает никаких расходов, так как процедура является бесплатной и не требует обязательного участия адвоката (но, тем не менее, оно рекомендуется).
11. Благодаря финансовым средствам, предоставляемым Советом Европы, Комиссия может, при определённых условиях, оказывать бесплатную юридическую помощь автору жалобы, не располагающему достаточными финансовыми средствами. Это может происходить в том случае, если для разрешения дела необходим обмен замечаниями по существу жалобы между соответствующим государством и истцом. В этом случае истец должен подтвердить документально отсутствие у него необходимых средств. С 1964-го года юридическая помощь была предоставлена более, чем 1.100 лицам.
12. После предварительного изучения досье одним из членов Комиссии, избранным Докладчиком по данному делу, каждая зарегистрированная жалоба предоставляется вниманию Комиссии в её полном составе, одной из ее палат или комитету, состоящему по меньшей мере из трёх членов, с целью рассмотрения приемлемости жалобы.Докладчик или Комиссия могут обратиться к Правительству соответствующего государства с целью выяснения обстоятельств возможно имевшего место нарушения прав человека, а также и к самому истцу для получения объективной информации по существу вопроса.
13. Комиссия в полном составе. Палата либо Комитет могут отказать истцу в принятии жалобы, не ставя об этом в известность правительство, если на основании предоставленной заявителем информации явна ее неприемлемость.
В остальных случаях Комиссия в полном составе или Палата предлагают Правительству представить в письменном виде свои замечания, на которые истец приглашается ответить. Жалобы, которые могут быть рассмотрены на основе установленной юриспруденции или не содержащие серьезных проблем, с точки зрения толкования или приложения Конвенции, могут рассматриваться одной из Палат. Палаты и Комиссия в полном составе имеют равные полномочия, за исключением чрезвычайных прерогатив Комиссии. В случаях когда предмет допустимости жалобы затрагивает сложный правовой вопрос. Комиссия выслушивает аргументы обеих сторон.
14. После этого Палата или Комиссия заявляют о допустимости жалобы, установив предварительно, были ли выполнены все необходимые условия, т.е. относятся ли вопросы, поднимаемые истцом, к охраняемым Конвенцией правам, и исчерпаны ли автором жалобы все возможные внутренние средства защиты. Перед тем, как обратиться в Комиссию, истец обязан представить свою жалобу, в предписанных законом формах, во все органы власти (судебные или административные) заинтересованного Государства, которые правомочны исправить имевшие место нарушения, которые явились предметом жалобы.
Если истец заявляет об отказе от своей жалобы или о том, что он не намерен далее участвовать в производстве дела, жалоба может быть исключена из списка дел, что не предполагает никакого решения о её допустимости.
Комиссия рассматривает жалобы на своих пленарных заседаниях, на которых должны присутствовать большинство ее членов. В определённых случаях этот минимум снижается до семи. Она может также возложить особые задачи на одного или нескольких членов Комиссии. Палаты Комиссии должны состоять, по меньшей мере, из семи членов.
15. Решения Комиссии, равно как и решения Комитетов или Палат, относительно приемлемости жалоб окончательны. Решение относительно допустимости жалобы обжалованию не подлежит, однако заинтересованная сторона может представить на рассмотрение новую жалобу, если в деле возникли дополнительные обстоятельства и истец может представить соответствующие факты.
16. Если жалоба объявлена приемлемой. Комиссия или Палата приступают к её углублённому рассмотрению. С помощью сторон Комиссия устанавливает факты по делу и, при необходимости, приступает к расследованию. В целях его успешного проведения защищающееся правительство должно предоставить все необходимые сведения.
17. Конвенция возлагает на Комиссию примирительную миссию, которая состоит в том, что Комиссия является посредником между сторонами в целях достижения ими дружественного урегулирования на основе соблюдения прав человека, признанных Конвенцией. Факт дружественного урегулирования становится предметом короткого доклада, который публикуется.
18. В случае неуспеха примирения сторон. Комиссия или Палата готовит доклад (статья 31 Конвенции), в котором содержится:
- изложение фактов, по причине которых возник спор, так как они были установлены Комиссией, при необходимости после соответствующего расследования (заслушивание свидетелей, рассмотрение документов, осмотр мест происшествия и т. п.), в котором могут принимать участие представители сторон;
- юридическая точка зрения на то, доказывают ли эти факты нарушение Конвенции властями Государства-ответчика. Если решение Комиссии не было принято единогласно, тот ее член или члены, мнение которых оказалось в меньшинстве, могут добавить к докладу своё личное мнение.
19. Этот доклад направляется Комитету Министров Совета Европы и соответствующему Правительству, а также, если применяется Протокол № 9, жалобщику . Он остаётся конфиденциальным в том случае, если дело не передаётся на рассмотрение в Суд до принятия решения Комитетом Министров.
Передавая свой доклад. Комиссия может сформулировать предложения, которые она считает необходимыми.
20. Дело может быть в трехмесячный срок передано Комиссией и/или соответствующим Правительством, для того, чтобы Суд высказал свое мнение по поводу нарушения. Частное лицо также может представить дело в Суд в соответствии с Протоколом № 9 (см. пункт 4 выше).
Протокол № 9, вступивший в силу 1 октября 1994, предоставляет право частным лицам, подавшим жалобу в Комиссию, передавать дело в Суд независимо от того, было ли дело передано в Суд Комиссией или заинтересованным государством. Однако им предусмотрена и "система фильтрации": хотя частное лицо пользуется неотъемлемым правом передавать дело в Суд, Комитет, состоящий из трех судей, может принять решение о том, что это дело не должно быть рассмотрено Судом. Комитет может принять такое решение только в том случае, если его члены единогласно считают, что данное дело не поднимает достаточно важного вопроса, относящегося к толкованию или применению Конвенции или любого другого вопроса, оправдывающего рассмотрение дела Судом.
Этот Протокол вступил в силу в отношении Государств, ратифицировавших его. На 31 декабря 1997 года это были следующие государства: Австрия, Бельгия, Венгрия, Дания, Германия, Ирландия, Италия, Кипр, Лихтенштейн, Люксембург, Нидерланды, Норвегия, Польша, Португалия, Румыния, Сан-Марино, Словакия, Словения, Финляндия, Чехия, Швейцария, Швеция и Эстония.
Перед Судом Комиссия выступает в роли прокурора. Она не является стороной, защищающей Правительство либо истца, но выражает своё мнение, в итоге чего она может прийти к выводу об отсутствии нарушения Конвенции. Один или несколько членов Комиссии могут быть приглашены выразить мнение большинства или меньшинства.
Если дело не было передано на рассмотрение в Суд, Комитет Министров решает большинством в две трети голосов, имело ли место нарушение положений Конвенции.
21. Процедура рассмотрения государственных жалоб
Государственные жалобы, представляемые на основании 24-ой статьи Конвенции, рассматриваются по процедуре, схожей с вышеописанной.
22. После вступления в силу Конвенции Государствами были представлены на рассмотрение Комиссии двадцать жалоб.
1956: Две жалобы, в которых греческое правительство обвиняет Правительство Великобритании в принятии некоторых мер в отношении населения острова Кипр, в то время находящегося под контролем британской администрации.
1960: Жалоба Австрии против Италии в отношении проведения судебного процесса по обвинению нескольких молодых южнотирольцев в убийстве судом Болзано и Тренте.
1967-1970: Пять жалоб против Греции, в которых правительства Дании, Норвегии, Швеции и Нидерландов заявляют о серии нарушений Конвенции греческим диктаторским режимом "полковников".
1971: Две жалобы Республики Ирландии против Великобритании относительно различных мер, принятых в отношении Северной Ирландии.
1974: Три жалобы, представленные Кипром против Турции в отношении событий, имевших место на Кипре после 1974 года.
1982: Пять жалоб, представленных правительствами Дании, Франции, Нидерландов, Норвегии и Швеции против Турции в отношении обстановки, существовавшей в этой стране в период с 12 сентября 1980 года по 1 июля 1982 года.
1994: Жалоба Кипра против Турции относительно продолжающихся нарушений Конвенции на территории Кипра (в развитие жалобы, представленной в 1974 году). Эту жалобу Комиссия ещё рассматривает.
1997: Жалоба представлена правительством Дании против Турции в отношении плохого обхождения с гражданином Дании. Эту жалобу Комиссия ещё рассматривает.
Из всех этих дел только дело Северной Ирландии было передано в Европейский суд по правам человека. Что касается жалобы, направленной против Турции тремя скандинавскими государствами, Францией и Нидерландами, то они стали предметом мирного урегулирования. Другие жалобы были рассмотрены Комитетом министров, кроме двух, которые были исключены из списка (вторая греческая петиция и вторая петиция относительно положения в Северной Ирландии).
23. Со дня создания Комиссии в июле 1954 года по 31 декабря 1997 года на ее рассмотрение поступило 39.047 индивидуальных жалоб. В 1997 году поступило 12.469 личных сообщений, и в том же году Комиссия зарегистрировала 4.750 жалоб.
За период с июля 1954 года по 31 декабря 1997 были объявлены приемлемыми 4.161 индивидуальных жалоб.
Было достигнуто 369 дружественных урегулирований. Эти дружественные урегулирования относятся к широкому кругу дел, рассматриваемых Комиссией. Большая часть этих дружественных урегулирований привели к законодательным переменам или к возмещению убытков, а иногда и к тому и другому. Некоторые жалобы были исключены из списка в результате внутренних урегулирований между сторонами.
В результате, к 31 декабря 1997 года 903 дел были переданы в Европейский суд по правам человека.
* * *
В Совете Европы существует три отдела, сотрудничающие между собой, которые работают в области прав человека: Секретариат Европейской Комиссии по правам человека, который осуществляет содействие Комиссии; Канцелярия Европейского суда по правам человека, которая осуществляет содействие Суду; Отдел по правам человека, деятельность которого относится прежде всего к межправительственному сотрудничеству и помогает Комитету Министров при осуществлении его функций по Конвенции. Информационный центр Совета Европы в области прав человека распространяет информацию о применении Конвенции. Секретариат Комиссии также может давать информацию по особым правовым вопросам относительно Конвенции лицам, желающим представить или уже представившим жалобу.
Часть решений Комиссии по приемлемости жалоб, дружественным урегулированиям и докладов по делам, которые не были переданы на рассмотрение в Суд (если они были опубликованы) содержится в двуязычной серии (англо-французской), под названием "Decisions and Reports", которые можно заказать Unite des Editions du Conseil de L’Europe F-67075 Strasbourg Cedex. После 76-ого тома (на сегодняшний день в 89-х томах), " Decisions and Reports " будут опубликованы на оригинальном языке (английский или французский) (том А), и будут переведены (том Б).
Полный текст докладов,
принятых Комиссией в делах, которые были переданы в Суд, содержится в томах
Серии Б Публикации Суда, издание Сагl Heymmans Verlag K. G., Luxembourg
Strasse, D 5000 Со1оgnе
1; мнения Комиссии, содержащиеся в этих докладах, находятся также в томах
серии А тех же самых публикаций.
European
Commission of Human Rights : Organisation, procedure and activities
(
Information Note by the Secretary to the European Commission of Human Rights
January 1998)
The
Convention and its organs
Organisation
of the Commission
Procedure
regarding individual applications
Activities
of the Commission
1. The Convention
for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms defines, in
Section I, the rights and
freedoms which it
guarantees.
2. In accordance
with the provisions of the Convention, the European Commission and Court
of Human Rights have
been established
to ensure that the Contracting Parties comply with their obligations under
the Convention. In
addition, the Convention
gives the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe an autonomous
decision-making
power when the case
has not been brought before the Court and authority to supervise the execution
of the Court's
judgment when the
case has been brought before the latter.
3. The Convention
came into force on 3 September 1953 and has, in the meantime, been ratified
by all the member
States of the Council
of Europe*, except Russia, which has signed it.
5. Since the coming
into force of the Convention, it has been possible for State applications
to be lodged with the Commission,
whereby any State
which is a party to the Convention may refer to the Commission what it
regards as the failure on the part of
another Contracting
State to comply with the Convention, thus participating in what has been
called the maintenance of the public
order of Europe.
6. The Commission
also has jurisdiction to hear individual applications from any person
(or non-governmental organisation or
group of individuals)
claiming to be the victim of a violation of the Convention by one of the
Contracting Parties. All the
Contracting Parties
have made the optional declaration recognising the jurisdiction of the
Commission to hear such individual
petitions.
7. The Commission
is composed of a number of members equal to the number of Contracting States
and cannot include more than
one national of
any given State.
The members of the
Commission are elected by the Committee of Ministers from a list of names
drawn up by the Bureau of the
Parliamentary Assembly,
on the basis of proposals from each group of the representatives of the
High Contracting Parties to this
Assembly, and remain
in office for six years.
The members of the
Commission act in an individual capacity; they are in no way representative
of any State and are completely
independent. Members'
allowances are borne by the Council of Europe's budget.
8. All the work of the Commission is carried out in camera and its files are confidential.
The Commission draws
up its own Rules of Procedure, and elects its President every three years.
Each Chamber elects a
President and a
Vice-President, who hold office for eighteen months. The Commission does
not sit continuously. At present it
meets during sixteen
session weeks each year.
9. The Commission
is assisted in its task by a permanent Secretariat which currently comprises
more than 100 persons, of whom
about 50 are lawyers
of different nationalities.
10. The procedure described below is applied to individual applications presented in pursuance of Article 25 of the Convention.
In practice, an application
is addressed to the Secretary to the Commission. It does not entail any
expenditure as the procedure is
free, and applicants
do not have to be legally represented (although this is recommended).
11. Funds made available
by the Council of Europe enable the Commission, in certain circumstances,
to grant free legal aid to an
applicant of limited
means. This is done, for example, when the case calls for an exchange of
arguments between the respondent
State and the petitioner.
In this case, the applicant must prove his lack of means by producing an
officially certified document.
Since 1964, legal
aid has been granted to almost 1,100 applicants.
12. After a preliminary
examination undertaken by a member acting as Rapporteur, all registered
applications are put before a
Committee of three
members, a Chamber of the Commission or the plenary Commission for an examination
of admissibility. The
Rapporteur or the
Commission can ask both the respondent Government and the applicant for
factual information regarding the
circumstances of
the case.
13. The plenary Commission,
a Chamber or a Committee of three members can reject an application without
communicating it to
the respondent Government,
when grounds for its inadmissibility are clearly evident from the information
given by the applicant.
In other cases, the
Government is asked by the plenary Commission or a Chamber to provide written
observations to which the
applicant may reply.
Cases which can be dealt with on the basis of established case-law or which
raise no serious issues
concerning the interpretation
of the Convention may be examined by a Chamber. Chambers exercise all powers
conferred on the
Commission except
those which are explicitly reserved for the plenary Commission. When particularly
difficult legal issues are
raised by the question
of the admissibility of an application, the Commission will hold a hearing
during which the representatives of
both parties make
oral submissions.
14. The Commission
or Chamber then decides whether the application is admissible after having
checked whether the relevant
conditions have
been satisfied, in particular whether the object of the application relates
to one of the rights included in the
Convention, and
whether the applicant has complied with the requirement regarding the exhaustion
of domestic remedies. This
means that before
bringing a complaint to the Commission, he should have applied in the appropriate
manner to all the legal or
administrative authorities
in the country concerned, having jurisdiction to remedy the breach of the
Convention of which he is
complaining.
If an applicant declares
that he withdraws his application or fails to take part in the proceedings
the application may be struck off
the list. However,
this does not involve a decision on the question of admissibility.
The Commission, meeting
in plenary session, examines applications submitted to it in the presence
of at least a majority of its
members, though
in certain cases this minimum
is reduced to seven.
It can also delegate particular tasks to one or more of its members. The
Commission's Chambers are
composed of at least
seven members.
15. When determining
admissibility the Commission, the Committees and Chambers included, takes
final decisions. No appeal lies
against a decision
declaring an application inadmissible, but the applicant can always submit
another application if he is in a position
to submit new facts.
16. If the application
is declared admissible, the Commission or Chamber proceeds to examine it
in depth. It establishes the facts
of the case with
the assistance of the parties concerned and, where appropriate, holds an
investigation - for the effective conduct
of which the respondent
Government must furnish all necessary facilities.
17. The Convention
requires the Commission to act as a conciliator by placing itself at the
disposal of the parties with a view to
securing a friendly
settlement of the matter on the basis of respect for human rights as defined
in the Convention.
The terms of the friendly settlement are set forth in a very brief report, which is made public.
18. Where no settlement is reached, the Commission or Chamber draws up a report (Article 31) including
a presentation of the facts underlying the dispute, as they have
been ascertained by the Commission - where
necessary after an inquiry (i.e. hearing of witnesses, examination of documents,
inspection of the site, etc. ...) in
which the representatives of both parties will have been able to take part;
a legal opinion as to whether the facts disclose a breach of the Convention
by the authorities of the respondent
State; if the Commission is not unanimous, the member or members in the
minority can include in the report a
statement of their separate opinion.
19. This report is
sent to the Committee of Ministers and to the Government concerned and,
if Protocol No. 9 is applicable, also
to the applicant.
It remains confidential - unless the case is brought before the Court -
until the Committee of Ministers takes its
decision. When transmitting
its report, the Commission can make any proposals it considers appropriate.
20. The case may
then within a period of three months be referred to the Court by the Commission
and/or the Government
concerned for a
decision on the question whether there has been a violation. The individual
may refer a case to the Court by virtue
of Protocol No.
9 (see para. 4, above).
In fact. Protocol
No. 9, which entered into force on 1 October 1994, allows individuals who
have introduced an application
before the Commission
to bring their case before the Court, irrespective of whether the Commission
or the State concerned has
seised it. However,
a "filtering system" has been provided: although the individual has an
absolute right to seise the Court, a
Committee of three
judges can nevertheless decide that the case in question is not one which
should be examined by the Court.
This Committee can
only take this decision if it considers, unanimously, that the case raises
no serious question concerning the
interpretation or
the application of the Convention or any other element that could justify
its examination by the Court.
This Protocol entered
into force for those States that have ratified it which, on 31 December
1997, were as follows: Austria,
Belgium, Cyprus,
the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Ireland,
Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg,
the Netherlands,
Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden
and Switzerland.
In the proceedings
before the Court the Commission plays the part of an advocate-general.
It does not act as a party to the case,
i.e. replying to
the applicant or respondent Government, but presents its opinion - which
may well be that there has been no
breach of the Convention.
It follows that the delegate(s) of the Commission may in fact present both
the minority and the majority
opinions.
If the case is not
referred to the Court, the Committee of Ministers decides by a two-thirds
majority whether there has been a
violation of the
Convention.
21. Procedure in State applications
State applications lodged under Article 24 of the Convention follow a procedure similar to the one described above.
22. Since the coming into force of the Convention, twenty applications have been lodged with the Commission by States:
1956 : Two
applications in which the Greek Government complained of certain measures
applied by
the Government of the United Kingdom to the population of the island of
Cyprus, which was under
British administration at that time.
1960 : The
application lodged by Austria against Italy, regarding the conduct of the
trial of some young
men from South Tyrol/Alto Adige who were accused of murder in the Bozen/Bolzano
Assize Court and
the Trento Court of Appeal.
1967-1970:
Five applications lodged against Greece, in which the Governments of Denmark,
Norway,
Sweden and the Netherlands reported a series of breaches of the Convention
by the dictatorship in
Greece under "the Colonels"-
1971 : Two
applications lodged by the Republic of Ireland against the United Kingdom
regarding
various measures implemented in Northern Ireland.
1974-1977:
The three applications lodged by Cyprus, complaining about Turkey's part
in certain events
which took place on the island of Cyprus after 1974.
1982:
Five applications lodged by the Governments of Denmark, France, the Netherlands,
Norway
and Sweden against Turkey and relating to the situation in that country
between 12 September 1980
and 1 July 1982.
1994:
An application lodged by Cyprus against Turkey, regarding the situation
in Cyprus and
alleging the continuing violation of certain provisions of
the Convention in relation to the application lodged in
1974. This application is still pending before the Comission.
1997: An application
lodged by Denmark against Turkey concerning the alleged ill-treatment of
a Danish national.
This application is still pending before the Commission.
Of these various
applications, only the case relating to Northern Ireland was brought before
the European Court of Human Rights,
whereas the case
brought against Turkey by the three Scandinavian Governments, France and
the Netherlands was settled. The
remaining cases
were dealt with by the Committee of Ministers, except two which were struck
off the list (second Greek case and
second application
concerning Northern Ireland).
23. From the setting
up of the Commission in July 1954 to 31 December 1997, it received 39.047
individual applications. In
199Z, 12,469 individual
communications were sent to the Commission, which registered 4,750 applications
in the same year.
During the period
from July 1954 to 31 December 1997, 4,161 individual applications were
declared admissible by the
Commission.
369 friendly settlements
were reached. These friendly settlements concern a range of situations
representative of the diversity of
the applications
which the Commission deals with. A number of these friendly settlements
have had regard to changes in the law or
regulations or have
provided for payment of a sum of money, in some instances both. In addition,
a number of applications were
withdrawn following
an unofficial settlement between the parties concerned.
Finally, as at 31 December 1997, 903 cases had been referred to the European Court of Human Rights.
At the Council of
Europe, three departments, which are separate but collaborate together,
deal with Human Rights matters: the
Secretariat of the
Commission, which assists the Commission; the Registry of the Court, which
assists the Court; and the
Directorate of Human
Rights, which is concerned mainly with inter-governmental co-operation
and assists the Committee of
Ministers in the
exercise of its functions under the Convention. The Human Rights Information
Centre of the Council of Europe
disseminates information
on the application of the Convention. The Secretariat of the Commission
may also provide information on
certain specific
legal matters concerning the Convention to persons wishing to introduce
an application or having introduced such
application.
A selection of the
Commission's decisions regarding the admissibility of applications, the
friendly settlements and the reports drawn up in cases which have not been
referred to the Court (insofar as these have been made public) appear in
the bilingual series (English and French) entitled "Decisions and Reports"
which can be ordered from the Publishing and Documentation Service of the
Council of Europe, F-67075 STRASBOURG CEDEX. As from Volume No. 76 (to
date there are 89 Volumes), "Decisions and Reports" is published in two
volumes: in the original language, English or French (Volume A) and the
translation into the other language (Volume B).
Rules
of Procedure of the European Commission of Human Rights
(as in force on 28 June 1993)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title I - Organisation
of the Commission
Chapter I - The Commission
ChapterII - Members of the Commission
Chapter III - Presidency of the Commission
Chapter IV - Secretariat of the Commission
Title II - The functioning of the Commission
Chapter I - General Rules
Chapter II - The plenary Commission
Chapter III - The Chambers
Chapter IV - The Committees
Title III - Procedure
Chapter I - General Rules
Chapter II - Hearings
Chapter III- Instftution of
Proceedings
Chapter IV-Proceedingsi
on admissibility
Chapter V
- Procedure after the admission of an application
Chapter VI - The Report of the
Commission
Title IV - Relations of the Commission with the Court
Addendum to the Rules of Procedure (Legal aid)
RULES OF PROCEDURE OF THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION OF HUMAN RIGHTS
(Revised version as adopted by the Commission on 12 February and 6 May 1993, entred into force on 28 June 1993)
The Commission, Having regard to the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms and Protocols, hereinafter called the "Convention"; Pursuant to Article 36 of the CotwcnBon, Adopts the present Rules:
ORGANISATION OF THE COMMISSION
Rule l
1. The Commission sits in plenary session, in Chambers and in Committees set up under Article 20, paragraphs 2 and 3, of the Convention.
2. Unless otherwise stated, the terms "Commission" and "President" in these Rules shall mean "Chamber" and "President of the Chamber" and "President of the Chamber" in relation to cases referred to Chambers, and "Committee" and "President of the Committee" in relation to cases referred to Committees.
Chaper II - Members of the Commission
Rule 2
1. The duration of the term of office of members of the Commission elected on 18 May 1954 shall be calculated as from this date.Similarly, the duration of the term of office of any member elected as a consequence of a State become a Party to the Convention after 18 May 1954 shall be calculated as torn the election.
2. However, when
members are re-elected on the expiry of their terms of office or are elected
to replace a member whose term of office has expired or
is about to expire,
the duration of their term of office shall, in either case, be calculated
as from the date of such expiry.
Rule 3
Before taking up their duties, members of the Commission shall, at the first meeting of the Commission at which they are present after their election, make the following solemn declaration:
"I solemnly declare that I will exercise all my powers and duties honourably and faithfully, impartially and conscientiously and that I will keep secret all Commission proceedings."
Rule 4
1. Members of the Commission shall take precedence after the President of the Commission and Presidents of Chambers according to the length of time they have been in office.
2. Members having the same length of time in office shall take precedence according to age.
3. Re-elected members shall take precedence having regard to the duration of their previous terms of office.
Rule 5
Resignation of a member shall be notified to the President of the Commission who shall transmit it to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe.
Chapter III - Presidency of the Commission
Rule 6
1. The Commission shall elect its President in plenary session not later than the second session after the date of the entry into office of members elected at periodical elections of part of the Commission in accordance with Article 22, paragraph 1, of the Convention.
2. The term of office of the President of the Commission shall be three years.
3. If the President of the Commission, before the normal expiry of his term of office, ceases to be a member of the Commission or resigns from office, the Commission shall as soon as possible elect a successor toholdoffteefbrtheremairiaerofthesaidte
4. Each Chamber, voting separately, shait elect its President and Vice-President as soon as the Chambers have been constituted according to Rule 24, paragraph 3.
5. The term of office of the President of a Chamber shall be eighteen months. On the expiry of this term the presidency of the Chamber shall be assumed by the Vice-President for the remainder of the period for which the Chamber has been constituted. At Mii'HiOm time the Chamber concerned shall elect a new Vice-President.
6. A member of the Commission who has served as the President or Vice-President of a Chamber until eighteen months have elapsed since the end of his prevous term of office.
7.The elections referred to in this Rule shall be by secret ballot; only the members present shall take part. Election shall be by an absolute majority of the members of the Commission or of the members of the Chamber concerned, as appropriate.
8. If no member receives such a majority, a second ballot shall take place. The member receiving the most votes shall then be elected. In the case of equal voting the member having precedence under Rule 4 shall be elected.
Rule 7
1. The President of the Commission shall direct the work of the Commission and preside at its plenary sessions.
2. The Presidents of Chambers shall preside at tile meetings of the Chamber which has elected them.
3. Each Committee shall be presided over by the member tddn^precodence under Rule 4of these Rules.
4. The term "President" shall in these Rules, where appropriate, include also any member acting as president.
Rule 8
1. The Presidents of Chambers, according to the order of precedence laid down in Rule 4, shall take the place of the President of the Commission if the latter is prevented from carrying out the duties of President or if the office of President is vacant.
2. The Vice-President of a Chamber shall take the place of the President of the Chamber which has elected him if the latter is prevented from carrying out' his duties or if the office of President of Chamber is vacant
3. The President of the Commission may delegate certain functions to the President of either Chamber.
Rule 9
1. If the President of the Commission and the Presidents of Chambers are at the same time prevented from canyingout their duties, or if their offices are at the same time vacant, the duties of President of the Commission shall be carried out by another member according to the order of precedence laid down in Rule 4.
2. If the President and Vice-President of the Chamber are prevented from carrying outtheir duties in respect of that Chamber, or if their offices are at the same time vacant, the duties of President shall be carried out by another member according to the'order of precedence Nkt down in Rule 4.
Rule 10
Members of the Commmission shall not preside in cases to whits the High Contracting Party, of which they are nattonals or in respect of which they were elected, is a party.
Rule 11
Where the President of the Commission or the President of the Chambres for the some special reason consider that they should not act as President in a particular case, they shal be replced in accordance with the provisions of Rule 8, paragraph 1, and Rule 9.
Chapter IV - Secretariat of the Commission
Rule 12
1. The Secretariat of the Commission shall consist of the Secretary, the Deputy Secretary, and other staff members appointed under Article 37 of the Convention.
2. The Secretary and the Deputy Secretary to the Commission shall be appointed by the Secretary General of the Council of Europe on the proposal of the Commission.
3. The officials of the Secretariat of we Commission, other than the Secretary and the Deputy Secretary, shall be appointed by the Secretary General, with the agreement of the President of the Commission or the Secretary acting on the President's instructions.
Rule 13
1. The Secretary to the Commission shall, under the general direction of the President, be responsible for the workotfmeSecretariat and, in particular:
a. shall assist the Commission and its members in the fulfilment of their duties;
b. shall be the channel for all communicationsconceming the Commission;
c. shall have custody of the archives of the Commission.
2. The Secretary shall be responsible for the publication of:
a. the decisions of the Commission;
b. minutes of the Commission's sessions;
c. any other document in so far as their publication in the official languages or in any other language is considered useful by the President.
Rule 14
A special register shall be kept at the Secretariat in which shall be entered the date of registration of each application and the date of the termination of the relevant proceedings before the Commission.
THE FUNCTIONING OF THE COMMISSION
Rufe15
1. The seat of the Commission shall be in Strasbourg.
2. The Commission
may decide,at any stage it is necessary that an investigation or any other
of te functions be
carried out elsewhere
by it or one or more of its
Rule 16
1. The seat of the Commission shall meet during at least sixteen weeks in each year.
2. The Commission
shall, at the last session of each year at the latest, fix its sessions
for the following year. It shall meet
at other times by
decision of the President as circumstances may require. It shall also meet
if at least one third of the
members so request.
3. Members who are
prevented by illness or other serious reason from attending all or part
of any session of the
Commission or from
fulfilling any other duty shall, as soon as possible, give notice thereof
to the Secretary who shall
inform the President.
Rule 17
1. All deliberations
of the Commission shall be and shall remain confidential. Only the Secretary
to the Commission,
members of Hs Secretariat,
interpreters, and persons providing technical or secretarial assistance
to the Commission may
be present at its
meetings, unless the Commission decides otherwise.
2. The contents of
all case-files, including all pleadings, shall be confidential. However,
the decisions of the Commission
on admissibility
shall be available to the public, provided that the name or other means
of identification of an applicant
shall not be indicated,
unless the Commission decides otherwise.
3. At any stage in
the examination of an application, the Secretary may communicate information
to the press to an
extent compatible
with the legitimate interests of the parties and subject to any special
directions by the Commission.
Rule 18
1. After any deliberations
and before a vote is taken on any matter in the Commission, the President
may request
members to state
their opinions thereon, in the order of precedence laid down in Rule 4,
starting with the junior member.
The vote may also
be taken in the same manner.
2. If the voting
is equal, a rod call vote shaft then be taken as provided in paragraph
1 of this Rule and the President shall
have a casting vote.
3. In decisions on
the admissibility of an application, or in expressing an opinion on a breach
of the Convention, members
shall not abstain.
Rule 19
1. The records of
deliberations shall be limited to a record of the subject of the discussions,
the votes taken, the names of
those voting for
and against a motion and any statements expressly made for insertion therein.
2. The records of
hearings shall contain the names of the members present and of any persons
appearing; they shall give
a brief account
of the course of thehearing and of any decision taken.
3. The draft minutes
of the Commission's sessions shall be circulated to members and if no comments
are received within
a prescribed time-limit
they shaft be deemed to be adopted. Any such comments will be taken up
at the next session.
Rule 20
1. Members shall not take part inthe examination of an application before the Commission, where they
a. have any personal interest in the case
b. have partidpated in any decision on the facts on which the application is based as adviser to any of the parties or as a member of any tribunal or body of enquiry.
2. If, in any case of doubt with regard to paragraph 1 of this Rule, or in any other circumstances which might appear to affect the impartiality of members in their examination of an application, they or the President consider that they should not take part, the Commission shall decide.
Rule 21
When, for any special reason other than under Rule 20, members consider that they should not take part or continue to take part in the examination of a case, they shall inform the President.
Rule22
Any member who, under the provisions of Rule 20 or Rule 2t, does not take part in the examination of an application, shall not form part of the quorum during such examination.
Chapter II - The Plenary Commission
Rule 23
1. A quorum of the Commission shall consist of a number of members equal to the majority of the members of the Commission.
2. However, seven members shall constitute a quorum when the Commission examines an application submitted under Article 25 of the Convention and:
a. decides to act as provided in Rule 48, paragraph 2, or
b. declares the application inadmissible or decides to strike it off its list of cases, provided that notice of the application has not been given to the High Contracting Party concerned under Rule 48, paragraph 2, b.
3. Seven members shall also constitute a quorum when the Commission acts in pursuance of the Addendum to the present Rules (Legal aid).
Rule 24
1. There shall be two Chambers set up under Article 20, paragraph 2, of the Convention.
2. The composition of tfie Chambers shall be determined by the Commission.
3. The Chambers shall be constituted for three years as soon as possible following the election of the President of the Commission in accordance with Rule 6of theseRules;
4. The Commission may make such special arrangements concerning the constitution of Chambers as it sees fit.
Rule25
1. Where a member of the Commission elected in respect of the High Contracting Party against which a petition has been lodged is not a member of the Chamber to which that petition has been referred, but wishes to sit on that Chamber in accordance with Article 20, paragraph 2, last sentence, of the Convention, the President of the Chamber shall be so informed.
2. Where members
of a Chamber cease to be members of the Commission before the expiration
of the period for which the Chamber was
constituted, their
successors in the Commission shall succeed them as members of the Chamber.
Rule 26
1. A quorum of a Chamber shad be seven members.
2. As a rule, the Chambers meet during the sessions of the Commission.
3. Where circumstances require, the Chamber or, when it is not in session, its President, may decide that the Chamber may meet whw the Commission is not in session.
Rule 27
1. There shall be Committees set up under Article 20, paragraph 3, of the Convention.
2. The Committees shall be constituted once a year. The members shall be chosen by the drawing of lots.
Rule 28
1. The Committees shall each be composed of three members. The President of the Commission shall not be a member of a Committee.
2. The members of the Commission who shaM rit on the Committees shall be distributed in three lists, following the order of precedence set out in Rule 4of these Rules. Each Committee shall be composed of one member from each list, chosen in the above order of precedence.
3. The members of the Commission who have not been chosen to sit on Committees shall act as substitute Committee members.
4. If a member is prevented from attending, a substitute wember shall sit in that member's place. If none of the substitute members is able to attend, a member appearing on the same list as the member prevented from attending shall sit on the Committee.
Rule29
Committees meet during the sessions of the Commission.
PROCEDURE
Rule 30
1. The official languages of the Commission shall be English and French.
2. The President may authorise a member to speak in another language.
3. The President may permit the use by a party or a person representing that party of a language other than English or French, either in hearings or documents. Any such document shall be submitted in an original and at least two copies.
4. The Secretary is authorised, in correspondence with an applicant, to employ a language other than English or French.
Rule 31
The High Contracting Parties shall be represented before the Commission by their agents who may have the assistance of advisers.
Rule32
1. Persons, non-governmental organisations, or groups of individuals, may present and conduct applications under Article 25 of the Convention on their own benalf or through a representative appointed under paragraph 2 of this Rule.
2. Any such applicant may appoint, and be represented in proceedings before the Commission by, a lawyer or any other person, resident in a Convention country, unless the Commission at any stage decides otherwise.
3. Any such applicant or representative shall appear in person before the Commission:
a. to present the application in a hearing fixed by the Commission; or
b. for any other purpose,"ff invitedoy the Commission.
4. In the other provisions of these Rules the term "applicant" shall, where appropriate, include the applicant's representative.
Rule 33
The Commission shall
deal with applications in the order in which they become ready for examination.
It may, however, decide to give precedence
to a particular
application.
Rule 34
1. The Commission may, proprio motu or at the request of a party, take any action which it considers expedient or necessary for the proper performance of its duties under the Convention.
2. The Commission may delegate one or more of its members to take any such action in its name, and in particular to hear witnesses or experts, to examine documents or to visit any locality. Such member or members shall duly report to the Commission.
3. In case of urgency when the Commission is not in session, the President of the Commission or, if he is prevented from carrying out his duties, the President of either Chamber, may take any necessary action on behalf of the Commission. As soon as the Commission is again in session, any action which has been taken under this paragraph shall be brought to its attention,
Rule 35
The Commission may, if tt considers necestory, order the joinder of two or more applications.
Rule 36
The Commission, or when it is not in session, the President may indicate to the parties any interim measure the adoption of which seems desirablev in the interest of the parties or the proper conduct of the proceedings before it,
Rule 37
1. Hearings before the Commission shall be held in camera. Unless the Commission decides otherwise, no person shall be admitted, other than
a. the persons referred to in Rule 31 or 32;
b. the individual applicant;
c. any person being heard by the Commission as a witness or as an expert;
d .the persons referred to in Rule 17, paragraph 1.
2. If the applicant is a non-governmental organisation or group of individuals, the Commission shall ensure that those appearing are entitled to represent it.
3. When it considers it in the interest of We proper conduct of a hearing, the Commission may limit the number of the parties' representatives or advisers who may appear.
4. The parties shall inform the Commission at least ten days before the date of the opening of the hearing of the names and functions of the persons who will appear on their behalf at the hearing.
5. The provisions of the present Rule shall apply mutatis mutandis to hearings before delegates of the Commission.
Rule 38
1. Any individual applicant, expert or other person whom the Commission decides to hear as a witness, shall be summoned by the Secretary. The summons shaft Indicate:
a. the parties to the application;
b. the facts or issues regarding which the person concerned will be heard;
c. the arrangements made, in accordance with Rule 42, paragraph 1 or 2, to reimburse the persons concemedfor any expenses incurred by them.
2. Any such persons may, if they have not sufficient knowledge of English or French, be authorised by the President to speak in any other language.
Rule 39
1. After establishing the identity of the witnesses or experts the President or the principal delegate mentioned in Rule 34, paragraph 2, shall request them to-tate the following oath:
a. for witnesses: "I swear that I wiH speak the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.";
b. for experts: " I swear that my statement will be in accordance with my sincere belief.".
2. Instead of taking the oath in the terms set out in paragraph 1 of this Rule, the witnesses or experts may make the following declaration:
a. for witnesses: "I solemnly declare upon my honour and conscience that I will speak the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.";
b. for experts: "I solemnly declare upon my honour and conscience that my statement will be in accordance with my sincere belief.".
Rule 40
1. The President, or the principal delegate, shall conduct the hearing or examination of any persons heard. Any member may put questions to the parties or to the persons heard with the leave of the President or the principal delegate. .
2. A party may, with the permission of the President or of the principal delegate, also put questions to any person heard.
Rule 41
1. The Secretary shall be responsible for the production of verbatim records of hearings before the Commission.
2. The parties or, where appropriate, their representatives shall receive a draft verbatim record of their submissions in order that they may propose corrections to the Secretary within a time-limit laid down by the President. After necessary corrections, if any, the text shaft constitute certified matters of record.
Rule42
1. The expenses incurred by any person who is ftearel by the Commission as a witness at the request of a party shall be borne either by that party or by the Council of Europe, as the Commission may decide. Where it b decided that the expenses shaU be borne by the Council of Europe, the amount shall be fixed by the President of the Commission.
2. The expenses incurred by any such person whom the Commission hears proprio motu shall be fixed by the President and be borne by the Coundl of Europe.
3. Where the Commission decides to obtain written expert opinions, the costs, as agreed by the President, shall be borne by the Council of Europe.
4. Where the Commission decides to obtain written evidence, any costs incurred by the party who submits it shall be borne either by that party or by the Council of Europe, as the Commission may decide. Where it is decided that the costs shall be borne by the Council of Europe, the amount shall be agreed by the President of the Commission.
Chapter III - Institution of Proceedings
Rule 43
1. Any application made under Articles 24 or 25 of the Convention shall be submitted in writing and shall be signed by the applicant or by the applicant's representative.
2. Where an application is submitted by a non-governmental organisation or by a group of individuals, it shall be signed by those persons competent to represent such organisation or group. The Commission shall determine any question as to whether the persons who have signed an application are competent to do so.
3. Where applicants are represented in accordance with Rule 32 of these Rules, a power of attorney or written authorisation shall be supplied by their representative or representatives.
Rule 44
1. Any application under Article 25 of the Convention shall be made on the application form provided by the Secretariat, unless the President decides otherwise. It shall set out:
a. the name, age, occupation and address of the applicant;
b. the name, occupation and address of the representative, if any;
c. tile name of the High Contracting Party against which the application is made;
d. the object of the application and the provision of the Convention alleged to have been violated;
e. a statement of the facts and arguments;
f. any relevant documents and in particular the decisions, whether judicial or not, relating to the object of the application.
2. Applicants shall furthermore:
a. provide information enabling it to be shown that the conditions laid down in Article 26 of the Convention have been satisfied;
b. indicate whether they have submitted their complaints to any other procedure of international investigation or settlement;
c. indicate in which of the official languages they wish to receive the Commission's decisions;
d. indicate whether theyito or do rictf object tolhetr identity being disclosed to the public;
e. declare that they will respect the confidentiality of the proceedings before the Commission.
3. Failure to comply with the requirements set out under paragraphs 1 and 2 above may result in the application not being registered and examined by the Commission,
4. The date of introduction of the application shall in general be considered to be the date of the first communication from the applicant setting out, even summarily, the object of the application. The Commission may nevertheless for good cause decide that a different date be considered to be the date of introduction.
5. Applicants shall keep the Commission informed of any change of their address and of all circumstances relevant to the application.
Chapter IV - Proceedings on admissibility
Rule45
1. Where, pursuant to Article 24 of the Convention, an application is brought before the Commission by a High Contracting Party, the President of the Commission shall give notice of such application to the High Contracting Party against which the claim is made and shall invite it to submit to the Commission its observations in writing on the admissibility of such application. The observatlonsso obtained shall be communicated to the High Contracting Party which brought the application and it may submit written observations in reply.
2. The Commission shall designate one or more of its members to submit a report on admissibility. Rule 47, paragraph 3, is, by analogy, applicable to this report.
3. Before deciding upon the admissibihty of the application the Commission may invite the parties to submit further observations, either in writing or at a hearing.
Rule 46
In any case of urgency, the Secretary to the Commission may, without prejudice to the taking of any other procedural steps, inform a High Contracting Party concerned in an application, by any available means, of the introduction of the application and of a summary of its objects.
Rule 47
1. Any application submitted pursuant to Article 25 of the Convention shall be referred to a member of the Commission who, as rapporteur, shall examine the application and submit a report to the Commission on its admissibility and a proposal on the procedure to be adopted.
2. Rapporteurs, in their examination of the application:
a. may request relevant information on matters connected with the application, from the applicant or the High Contracting Party concerned;
b. shall communicate any information so obtained from the High Contracting Party to the applicant for comments;
c. shall decide whether to refer the application to a Committee.
3. The wport of the rapporteur on the adrmssibility of the application shall contain:
a. a statement of the relevant facts, including any information or comments obtained under paragraph 2 of this Rule;
b. if necessary, an indication of the issues arising under the Convention in the application;
c. a proposal on admissibility and on any other action to be taken, as the case may require.
Rule 48
1. The Commission shall consider the report of the Rapporteur and may declare at once that the application is inadmissible or to be struck off its list.
2. Alternatively, the Commission may:
a. request relevant information on matters connected with the application
from the applicant or the High Contracting Party
concerned. Any information so obtained from the High Contracting Party
shall be communicated to the applicant for comments;
b. give notice of the application to the High Contracting Party against which it is brought and invite that Party to present to the Commission written observations on the application. Any observations so obtained shall be communicated to the applicant for any written observations in reply.
Rule 49
1. An application shall be referred to a Chamber unless it has been referred to a Committee under Rule 47, paragraph 2 c, or its examination by a Chamber is excluded under Article 20, paragraph 2, of the Convention.
2. Applications shall normally be referred te the Chamber which includes the member of the Commission elected in respect of the High Contracting Party against which the application has been made.
3. If there is a reasoned request from a party that the application should be referred to the Plenary Commission, that request shall be considered by the Plenary Commission.
4. The members of the Commission shall be informed of the decisions of the Chambers.
Rule 50
Before deciding upon the admissibility of the application, the Commission may invite the parties:
a. to submit further observations in writing;
b. to submit further observations orally at a hearing on issues of admissibility and at the same time, if the Commission so decides, on the merits of the application.
Rule 51
Time-limits shall be fixed by the rapporteur for any information or comments requested under Rule 47, paragraph 2, and by the Commission for any information, observations or comments requested under Rule 48, paragraph 2 and under Rule 50.
Rule 52
1. The decision of the Commission shall be communicated by the Secretary of the Commission to the applicant and to the High Contracting Party or Parties concerned. However, in the case provided for in paragraph 1 of Rule 48 or where information has been obtained from the applicant only, the decision shall be communicated to the High Contracting Party or Parties concerned only at their request and provided that the Commission does not decide otherwise.
2. The decision of the Commission shall state whether it was taken unanimously or by majority and shall be accompanied or followed by reasons.
Chapter V - Procedure after the admission of an application
Rule 53
1. After deciding to admit an application, the Commission shall decide on the procedure to be followed:
a. for the examination of the application under Article 28, paragraph 1 .a, of the Convention;
b. wtth a view to securing a friendly settlement under Article 28, paragraph 1 .b, of the Convention.
2. In order to accomplish its tasks under Article 28, paragraph 1 .a, of the Convention, the Commission may invite the parties to submit further evidence and observations.
3. The Commission shall decide in each case whether observations should be submitted in writing or orally at a hearing.
4. The President shall lay down the time-limits wiBwi which the parties shall submit evidence and written observations.
Rule 54
1. The Commission shall appoint one or more of its members as rapporteur.
2. The rapporteur may at any stage of the examination of an application under Article 25 of the Convention invite the parties to submit further written evidence and observations.
3. The rapporteur shall:
a. draft such memoranda as may be required by the Commission for its consideration of the case before it;
b. draft a Report for the Commission in accordance with Rule 57, Rule 60 or Rule 62. as the case may be.
Rule 55
The Commission may, when it sees fit, deliberate with a view to reaching a provisional opinion on the merits of the case.
Rule 56
Where the Commission decides to reject an application under Article 29 of the Convention, its decision shall be accompanied by reasons. The Secretary shall communicate the decision to the parties,
Chapter VI - The Report of the Commission
Rule57
1. The Report provided for in Article 28, paragraph 2, of the Convention shall contain:
a. a description of the parties, their representatives and advisers;
b. a statement of the facts;
c. the terms of the settlement reached.
2. The Report shall also contain the names of the President and members participating and shall be signed by the President and the Secretary.
3. The Report shall be sent to the High Contracting Party or Parties concerned, to the Committee of Ministers and to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe for publication. It shall also be sent to the applicant.
Rule 58
1. When the Commission has found that no friendly settlement in accordance with Article 28, paragraph 1 .b, of the Convention can be reached, it shall consider a draft Report drawn up by the Rapporteur on the basis of any provisional opinion reached by the Commission in its deliberations under Rule 55.
2. Where the Commission has been divided in its provisional opinion, the draft Report shall include alternative opinions, if the Commission so decides.
Rule 59
1. When the Commission considers the draft Report referred to in Rule 58, it shall adopt in the first place the parts of the Report in which it establishes the facts.
2. It shall then deliberate and vote on whether the facts found disclose any violation by the State concerned of its obligations under the Convention.
3. Only those members who have participated in the deliberations and votes provided for in this Rule shall be entitled to express their separate opinion in the Report.
Rule 60
1. The Report provided for in Article 31 of the Convention shall contain:
a. a description of the parties, their representatives and advisers;
b. a statement of the proceedings followed before the Commission;
c. a statement of the facts established;
d. the complaints declared admissible;
e. the opinion of the Commission, with an indication of the number of members forming the majority, as to whether or not the facts found disclose any breach by the State concerned of its obligations under the Convention;
f. the reasons upon which that opinion is based;
g. any separate opinion of a member of the Commission.
2. The Report shall contain the names of the President and the members participating in the deliberations and vote provided for in Rule 59, paragraph 2. It shall be signed by the President and by the Secretary.
3. It shall be sent, together with any proposal under Article 31, paragraph 3, of the Convention, to the Committee of Ministers and to the High Contracting Party or Parties concerned.
Rule 61
1. After the adoption of the Report drawn up under Article 31 of the Convention the Commission shall decide in plenary session whether or not to bring the case before the European Court of Human Rights under Article 48.a of the Convention.
2. Where the Commission decides to bring the case before the Court, it shall file its request with the Registry of the Court within three months after the transmission of the Report to the Committee of Ministers. It shall also inform the Committee of Ministers and the parties to the application.
3. Where the Commission decides not to bring the case before the Court, it shall so inform the Court, the Committee of Ministers and the parties to the application.
Rule 62
1. The Report provided for in Article 30, paragraph 2, of the Convention shall contain:
a. a description of the parties, their representatives and advisers;
b. a. statement of the facts;
c. a brief account of the proceedings;
d. the terms of the decision striking out the application together with the reasons therefor.
2. The Report shall contain the names of the President and members who participated in the decision striking out the application. It shall be signed by the President and by the Secretary.
3. It shall be communicated
to the CoaaraBAae of Ministers otthe Council of Europe for information
and to the parties. The Commission may publish it.
RELATIONS OF THE COMMISSION WITH THE COURT
Rule 63
1. The Commission shall assist the European Court of Human Rights in any case brought before the Court. When a case is referred to the Court the Commission shall appoint, at a plenary session, one or more delegates to take part in the consideration of the case before the Court. These delegates may be assisted by any person appointed by the Commission. In.discharging their functions they shall act in accordance with such directives as they may receive from the Commission.
2. Until delegates have been appointed, the President may, if consulted by the Court, express views upon the procedure to be followed before the Court.
Rule 64
1. When, in pursuance of Article 48.a of the Convention, the Commission decides to bring a case before the Court, it shall draw up a request indicating in particular:
a. the parties to the proceedings before the Commission;
b. the date on which the Commission adopted its Report;
c. the date on which the Report was transmitted to the Committee of Ministers;
d. the object of the request;
e. the names and addresses of its delegates.
2. The Secretary of the Commission shall transmit to the Registry of the Court forty copies of the request referred to in paragraph 1 of this Rule.
Rule 65
When, in pursuance of Article 48.6, cord of the Convention, a High Contracting Party brings a case before the Court, the Secretary of the Commission shall communicate to the Registry of the Court as soon as possible:
a. the names and addresses of the Commission's delegates;
b. any other information which the Commission may consider appropriate.
Rule 66
The Secretary to the Commission shall, as soon as the request referred to in Rule 64, paragraph 2, above, has been transmitted or the communication mentioned in Rule 33, paragraph 1 .c, of the Rules of Court, has been received, file with the Registry of the Court an adequate number of copies of the Commission's Report.
Rule 67
The Commission shall
communicate to the Court, at its request, any memorial, evidence, document
or information concerning the case, with the exception of documents relating
to the attempt to secure a friendly settlement in accordance with ArticteaB,
paragraph 1A, of the Convention. The communication of those documents shall
be subject in each case to a decision of the Commission.
Rule 68
1. Any Rule may be amended upon motion made after notice when such motion is carried at a plenary session of the Commission by a majority of all the members of the Commission. Notice of such a motion shall be delivered in writing to the Secretary of the Commission at least one month before the session where it is to be discussed. On receipt of such notice of motion the Secretary shall be required to inform all members of the Commission at the earfiest possible moment
2. Any Rule may be
suspended upon motion made without notice, provided that this decision
is taken unanimously. The suspension of a Rule shall in this case be limited
in its operation to the particular purpose forwhich such suspension has
been sought.
ADDENDUM TO THE RULES OF PROCEDURE
LEGAL AID
Rule l
The Commission may, either at the request of an applicant lodging an application under Article 25 of the Convention orproprio motu. grant free legal aid to that applicant in connection with the representation of the case:
a. where observations in writing on the admissibility of that application have been received from the High Contracting Party concerned in pursuance of Rule 48, paragraph 1.b, or where the time-limit for their submission has expired, or
b. where the application has been declared admissible.
Rule 2
Free legal aid shall only be granted where the Commission is satisfied:
a. that it is essential for the proper discharge of the Commission's duties;
b. that the applicant has not sufficient means to meet all or part of the costs involved.
Rule 3
1. In order to determine whether or not applicants have sufficient means to meet all or part of the costs involved, the Commission shall require them to complete a form of declaration stating their income, capital assets and any financial commitments in respect of dependents, or any other financial obligations. Such declaration shall be certified by the appropriate domestic authority or authorities.
2. Before making a grant of free legal aid, the Commission shall request the High Contracting Party concerned to submit its comments in writing.
3. The Commission shall, after receiving the information mentioned in paragraphs 1 and 2 above, dedde whether or not to grant free legal aid and shall inform the parties accordingly.
4. The President shall fix the time-limits within which the parties shall be requested to supply the information referred to in this Rule.
Rule 4
1. Fees shall be payable only to a barrister-at-law, solicitor or professor of law or professionally qualified person of similar status. Fees may, where appropriate, be paid to more than one such lawyer as defined above.
2. Legal aid may be granted to cover not only lawyers' fees but also travelling and subsistence expenses and other necessary out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the applicant or appointed lawyer.
Rule 5
1. On the Commission deciding to grant legal aid, the Secretary shall, by agreement with the appointed lawyer, fix the rate of fees to be paid.
2. The Secretary shall as soon as possible notify the Secretary General of the Council of Europe of the rate of fees so agreed.
Rule 6
The Commission may, at any time, if it finds that the conditions set out in Rule 2 above are no longer satisfied, revoke its grant of free legal aid to an applicant, in whole or in part, and shall at once notify the parties thereof.
Rule 7
In case of urgency
When the Commission is not in session, the President of the Commission
or the President of either Chamber may exerdse the powers conferred on
the Commission by this Addendum. As soon as the Commission is again in
session, any action which has been taken under this paragraph shall be
brought to its attention.