Investigates
Justice Without Reasons?
Global Scenes Reports Announces an International Investigation into the European Court of Human Rights' Single-Judge System
For decades, the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) has stood as one of the world's foremost judicial institutions for the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms. For millions of people across the 46 Member States of the Council of Europe, the Court represents the final legal avenue after every domestic remedy has been exhausted.
Yet an increasing number of lawyers, academics, applicants and human rights advocates have questioned one particular aspect of the Court's work: the single-judge inadmissibility procedure. Every year, thousands of applications are declared inadmissible by a single judge, often by means of a standard decision containing little or no individualized reasoning.
Beginning 17 August 2026, Global Scenes Reports (GSR) will launch an independent international investigation entitled: Justice Without Reasons? Inside the European Court of Human Rights' Single-Judge System
Our Commitment to Independent Journalism
Global Scenes Reports approaches every investigation with one guiding principle: Evidence must lead the investigation — not predetermined conclusions. This investigation does not begin with an assumption that the Court is right or wrong. Instead, we intend to examine documentary evidence, judicial practice, academic research, statistical information, and the experiences of those who have engaged with the Court.
Scope of the Investigation
The investigation will examine, among other issues:
- Why are many single-judge inadmissibility decisions issued with only standard reasoning?
- How does the Court's filtering system operate in practice?
- What legal and practical reasons support the current procedure?
- What criticisms have been raised by legal scholars and practitioners?
- Does the current procedure provide applicants with sufficient transparency?
- Are there proposals for reform?
- How does the ECtHR compare with other international human rights tribunals?
Investigation Roadmap
Understanding the System
An examination of the ECtHR's admissibility process, the history of the single-judge procedure, and the reasons for its introduction.
Voices of Applicants
Collection and analysis of documented experiences from applicants whose cases have been declared inadmissible, as well as applicants whose cases have proceeded to judgment.
Academic and Legal Perspectives
Interviews and analysis involving academics, human rights lawyers, researchers and former officials familiar with the Court's procedures.
The Court's Perspective
A formal opportunity for the European Court of Human Rights, the Council of Europe and relevant officials to explain, clarify and respond to the issues identified during the investigation.
Comparative International Analysis
A comparison between the ECtHR and other international human rights bodies, including their admissibility procedures, transparency standards and decision-making practices.
Findings and Recommendations
Publication of our conclusions together with recommendations, where appropriate, aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability and public confidence in international human rights adjudication.
Public Participation
Global Scenes Reports believes that investigative journalism serves the public best when the public is part of the process. Accordingly, we invite:
- Applicants who have appeared before the ECtHR
- Human rights lawyers
- Former judges and court officials
- Legal academics
- Civil society organisations
- Members of the public
To submit documented experiences, research, observations and opinions relevant to this investigation. Where appropriate, contributors may request confidentiality, and all information received will be independently verified before publication.
The investigation officially commences on .
Contribute to the Investigation