Dublin: Ireland has joined 25 other European nations in signing a joint statement seeking reforms to the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) to better address migration-related challenges. The announcement came during a Council of Europe ministerial meeting in Strasbourg, where ministers discussed how the 75-year-old Convention can adapt to evolving security and public-safety concerns.
A total of 26 out of 46 Council of Europe member states supported the joint declaration. Signatories include the UK, Denmark, Italy, Poland, Norway, Sweden, Hungary, and several Eastern and Northern European nations. Major countries such as France, Spain, and Germany did not sign, instead calling for extended dialogue on the issue.
Proposed Changes to Article 8 and Article 3
The joint statement calls for amendments to:
- Article 8, which protects the right to family life—seeking stronger weight on the seriousness of crimes committed by foreign nationals and less emphasis on social or family ties in deportation cases.
- Article 3, which protects individuals from torture and inhumane treatment—urging flexibility that would allow governments to expel, extradite, or remove foreign offenders where necessary.
Signatories emphasised that states must retain the sovereign right to control entry, residence, and expulsion of non-nationals.
A Convention Under Strain
Created after World War II, the ECHR has faced increasing criticism from some member states, particularly regarding judgments perceived to limit states’ ability to tackle illegal migration. The UK and Denmark have been vocal in arguing that current interpretations hinder enforcement efforts.
Ireland’s Position
Irish Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan endorsed the concerns raised by Denmark and others, stating that Europe must balance individual rights with the broader public interest. He stressed the need for innovative legal and policy solutions to address modern migration challenges effectively.
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