Justice Without Reasons?
Global Scenes Reports Announces an International Investigation into the European Court of Human Rights’ Single-Judge System
Investigation Commencement: 17 August 2026
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. While the Court has explained that this procedure is necessary to manage its enormous caseload, critics have questioned whether the current practice provides sufficient transparency and enables applicants to understand why their complaints have failed. These concerns have generated growing debate within legal and academic communities throughout Europe and beyond.
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 objective is neither to defend nor to condemn the European Court of Human Rights before the evidence has been examined. Rather, our purpose is to investigate, document and analyse how the single-judge system operates in practice, and to assess whether it sufficiently reflects the principles of transparency, accountability and procedural fairness expected of an international human rights court.
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.
Where criticism exists, we will examine it carefully. Where the Court’s procedures are defended, we will present those perspectives fairly and accurately.
Every institution, including international courts, deserves objective scrutiny. Equally, every institution deserves an opportunity to explain and defend its procedures.
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
The investigation will be published in stages and updated in real time as new evidence is obtained.
Phase I — Understanding the System
An examination of the ECtHR’s admissibility process, the history of the single-judge procedure, and the reasons for its introduction.
Phase II — 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.
Phase III — Academic and Legal Perspectives
Interviews and analysis involving academics, human rights lawyers, researchers and former officials familiar with the Court’s procedures.
Phase IV — 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.
Phase V — Comparative International Analysis
A comparison between the ECtHR and other international human rights bodies, including their admissibility procedures, transparency standards and decision-making practices.
Phase VI — 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; and
- 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.
Why This Investigation Matters
International human rights institutions occupy a unique position within the global legal order. Public confidence in those institutions depends not only on the outcomes they reach but also on the transparency, fairness and accountability of the processes by which those outcomes are achieved.
Whether the evidence ultimately supports the current system, identifies areas for reform, or reveals a more nuanced picture, Global Scenes Reports is committed to presenting its findings accurately, fairly and without prejudice.
Our goal is simple:
To inform the public through evidence-based journalism and to contribute meaningfully to informed discussion about one of the world’s most influential human rights courts.
The investigation “Justice Without Reasons? Inside the European Court of Human Rights’ Single-Judge System” will officially commence on 17 August 2026.
We invite readers around the world to follow the investigation, contribute responsibly where appropriate, and engage in respectful discussion as the evidence unfolds.
Transparency Throughout the Investigation
Unlike traditional investigations that publish only their final conclusions, Global Scenes Reports will provide regular updates throughout the investigative process.
Readers will be able to follow:
- newly obtained documents;
- interviews;
- expert analyses;
- responses from institutions;
- methodological updates; and
- significant developments
through our INVESTIGATES section as the investigation progresses.
