Frontiers of Justice: A Conversation with Judges of the European Court of Human Rights
On 2 April 2026, the Dublin European Law Institute will host its Annual Lecture, Frontiers of Justice: A Conversation with Judges of the European Court of Human Rights, from 10am to 12pm at the Event Space of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, Green Street, Dublin 7.
Europe is facing profound challenges from security and defence, and trans-Atlantic uncertainty, to migration and climate change. The idyll of European cooperation founded on human rights, democracy and the rule of law, seems to be fading and external pressures are being exacerbated by increasing threats from within. Yet, the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) remains a vital bulwark against regression and repression, seeking to guarantee the rights of everyone across the continent despite persistent challenges. Are these new frontiers creating the perfect storm for Europe’s human rights architecture, or can Europe restore its focus on the essential nature of Convention rights for our collective peace and prosperity?
These are some of the issues that will be explored at the Dublin European Law Institute’s Annual Lecture 2026, featuring two eminent judges of the European Court of Human Rights, Judge Úna Ní Raifeartaigh (Ireland) and Judge Mykola Gnatovskyy (Ukraine).
Programme:
09.30 – Registration and tea/coffee
10.00 – Welcome remarks: Liam Herrick, Chief Commissioner, Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission
10.10 – Official Opening: Prof. Derek Hand, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Dublin City University
10.20 – Director’s Address: Prof. Federico Fabbrini, Full Professor of European Law and Founding Director of the Dublin European Law Institute
10.30 – Fireside Conversation: Frontiers of Justice
Moderator: Dr Andrew Forde, DCU School of Law and Government
Speakers: Judge Úna Ní Raifeartaigh (Ireland); Judge Mykola Gnatovskyy (Ukraine)
11.45 – Closing Remarks: Dr Andrew Forde
For enquiries: deli@dcu.ie