The Competition simulates the procedures of complaints to the European Court of Human Rights. It provides a unique opportunity for students to experience the principles and implementation of the European Convention on Human Rights.

The European Moot Court Competition brings together top law students from around Europe to debate important issues of international human rights law in the Palace of Justice in Strasbourg, the home of the European Court of Human Rights. I had the privilege of chairing the Jury in the Grand Finals in 2015 and it was a great honour and a pleasure. I was struck by the immense ability and dedication of the participants and their passion for the issues that were debated. It is a comfort to know that new generations of competent lawyers are interested in pursuing a career in the field of human rights as this is a precondition for the effective protection and implementation of fundamental rights and freedoms. The Moot Court is a valuable experience for all those law students that are interested in furthering their careers in this field.

RÓBERT RAGNAR SPANÓ

President of the European Court of Human Rights

The European Human Rights Moot Court Competition (EHRMCC) is a unique and amazing experience where both organizational and academic aspects are carried out at the highest level and the most importantly – it allows you to plead in the European Court of Human Rights and Council of Europe on the most pressing issues of European Human Rights. Last year, I took part in the EHRMCC 7th Edition as a participant from Georgia. I and my team had a long history before we got to the finals, we won the national round organized by ELSA Georgia and the Ministry of Justice of Georgia. As the winning team, we were qualified to compete in international rounds, and submitted written memorials for the applicant and respondent, based on the results we finally got into best 20 teams of final oral rounds in Strasbourg. From my experience, having different stages of the competition and the chance to overcome the challenges of them are quite exciting. As we were the only team who had extra national round to qualify for international rounds last year, it motivated us and was a stepping stone in the process of strengthening teamwork. This year is unprecedented as we provide mandatory regional rounds in three different locations and give amazing platforms for participating teams to gain experience and establish contacts with qualified judges and experts of human rights for their career interests in HRL. This is not just a competition, rather a combination of excellently organized activities. Besides the final oral rounds, participants are engaged in different activities during competition days. They have opportunities to attend the reception of permanent representatives of different countries to the Council of Europe, chances to participate in the study visits in the Council of Europe Headquarters and European Court of Human Rights and attend case author’s conference for more detailed analysis of the case problem. The EHRMCC is definitely the once in a lifetime experience, but what I want to highlight is the fact that all the participants and contributors to this competition become part of the ELSA network which dedicates itself to build “A world in which there is respect for human dignity and cultural diversity“. You feel the inspiration of this motto during the whole competition and exactly that point motivated me to apply for ELSA international team for 2019/2020 term and devote myself to become a member of the organising team of EHRCMCC 8th edition this year. I wish all the teams participating in the competition success and passion for human rights.

TINATIN OBOLADZE

Final Oral Round participant, 7th edition

Every member of the winning team is invited for the traineeship at the European Court of Human Rights. The Final Oral Round gathers 18 teams from all over Europe. It is a unique opportunity for networking with other participants and Judges. The Competition is a unique opportunity for students to gain practical experience comparable to real pleading in front of the European Court of Human Rights.

Learn more at https://ehrmcc.elsa.org.