About the lecture

The European human rights system faces growing challenges from multiple quarters, driven by democratic erosion and social dynamics in both struggling and, increasingly, established democracies. Serious democratic backsliding within the Council of Europe borders, in particular, raises difficult questions about the role of the European Court of Human Rights - and of the organisation's political organs - in upholding the original promise of the Convention.

Serving on the ECtHR at this pivotal moment, Judge Darian Pavli will reflect on the principal challenges confronting the Convention system today. The lecture will consider how the Court can preserve its authority and maintain effective human rights protection while navigating external pressures and heightened expectations from civil society at large.

About the speaker

Judge Darian Pavli has served as judge of the European Court of Human Rights, elected in respect of Albania, since January 2019. Before joining the Court, Judge Pavli had an extensive human rights law practice, which included litigation before leading international and regional human rights mechanisms. His work maintained a strong focus on freedom of expression, civil rights, and national security-related restrictions of rights, among others. He has also contributed to various standard-setting efforts in Europe, the Americas and other regions. In recent years, Judge Pavli advised the Parliament of Albania on matters related to major justice reforms, as well as defamation and freedom of information law reforms. Judge Pavli holds advanced law degrees from Central European University and New York University Law School.