Since 2004 GYLA has been implementing strategic litigation in the European Court of Human Rights, in partnership with the European Human Rights Advocacy Center (EHRAC).

 

GYLA’s lawyers are providing legal consultation to beneficiaries on issues related to human rights protection, preparing lawsuits and defending interests of applicants before the ECHR. Cases for strategic litigation are sought proactively – when there is an important legal gap or wrongful practice, resulting in systemic and repeat violations of human rights. 

 

Currently GYLA’s priorities with respect to strategic litigation in the ECHR include torture, inhumane and degrading treatment of prisoners, illegal imprisonment, fair trial, discrimination and violation of property rights.  

 

Starting from 2004, total of 55 applications have been filed with the ECHR, including in the fields of criminal, civil and administrative litigation. Further, in three applications the Court delivered judgments in favor of the applicant, in particular in Jangurazov v Georgia, 2008; Klaus and Yuri Kiladze v Georgia, 2010; and Tsintsabadze v Georgia, 2010. 

 

Following the Russo-Georgian war in August 2008, GYLA became actively engaged in providing legal aid to individuals affected by the conflict from both sides of the conflict. In addition to the European Human Rights Advocacy Center (EHRAC), GYLA also partners with the Russian Justice Initiative (SRJI) in conflict-related cases. From 2008 to present, GYLA provided legal consultation to more than 1000 individuals affected by the war, filed up to 66 applications in the ECHR on behalf of more than 400 beneficiaries.