Considerations on the ratification of protocol no. 16 to the European convention on human rights by the Republic of Moldova

Harmonising standards of human rights protection is one of the main aims of the European Court of Human Rights. However, one problem the institution faces is the large number of applications lodged by nationals of High Contracting Parties. According to the latest official figures, 75 650 applications are pending before the Strasbourg court. In other words, the Court has become the victim of its own success. One of the solutions to this problem is the adoption of a consultative mechanism through which judicial dialogue between the Court and the European supreme courts is strengthened. The mechanism in question was established by Protocol No. 16 to the Convention, which is to be ratified by the Republic of Moldova. It would be an important tool for national judicial authorities in strengthening the rule of law and achieving a higher level of human rights protection.