Important Facts of the News
- Publication: Updated UNHCR Rule 39 Toolkit released in March 2025
- Purpose: Provides guidance for requesting interim measures under Rule 39 of the European Court of Human Rights
- Scope: Focused on urgent cases where effective protection is required
- Event: Seminar jointly organized by UNHCR and Council of Europe in Strasbourg on 5 November 2025
- Key Speakers: Philippe Leclerc (UNHCR Regional Director for Europe), Klaudiusz Ryngielewicz (Registrar, European Court of Human Rights), Nikolaos Sitaropoulos (Head, Council of Europe Division on migration and refugees)
- Main Objective: Ensuring non-refoulement for individuals at risk of persecution, torture, or serious harm
- Toolkit Highlights: Step-by-step guidance, reflects recent developments in case law and procedural practice
- Significance: Supports legal practitioners engaging with refugee law and the European Court
- Outcome: Promotes dialogue between international institutions, lawyers, and civil-society actors
- Image Reference: Rule 39 Interim Measures
Overview of the UNHCR Rule 39 Toolkit
The UNHCR has released an updated Rule 39 Toolkit to guide legal practitioners on requesting interim measures from the European Court of Human Rights. These measures are designed for exceptional situations where urgent protection is necessary to prevent individuals from being returned to countries where they may face persecution, torture, or serious harm.
Seminar Highlights and Expert Insights
The launch event, held in Strasbourg on 5 November 2025, was co-organized by the Council of Europe and UNHCR. Philippe Leclerc, UNHCR Regional Director for Europe, emphasized the intersection of European human rights law and international refugee law. He noted that Rule 39 interim measures are critical safeguards against refoulement and expressed confidence in the toolkit’s practical use for legal professionals handling urgent protection cases.
Klaudiusz Ryngielewicz, Registrar of the Filtering Section at the European Court of Human Rights, highlighted that requests for Rule 39 measures must prioritize rigor, transparency, and efficiency. Meanwhile, Nikolaos Sitaropoulos of the Council of Europe stressed the toolkit’s utility for practitioners navigating refugee law and interacting with the European Court, which remains a vital forum for many asylum seekers across Europe.
Strengthening Practical Protection
The European Court of Human Rights continues to provide an essential safeguard for those seeking international protection. Rule 39 interim measures ensure the effective application of non-refoulement principles under the European Convention on Human Rights and the 1951 Refugee Convention. By offering step-by-step procedural guidance, the UNHCR toolkit supports consistent and practical legal responses to urgent protection needs.
Promoting Collaboration and Access
The seminar also fostered dialogue between international institutions, civil-society actors, and legal practitioners. This collaborative approach helps ensure that procedural tools remain accessible and effective for individuals in need of protection, reinforcing the overall refugee protection framework in Europe.
