Rantsev v. Cyprus and Russia

Abstract

Jurisdiction — Territorial jurisdiction — Passive nationality jurisdiction — Positive obligations — Obligation to take measures to protect — Obligation to investigate — Mutual legal assistance — Competence ratione loci — Whether application admissible

Human rights — Right to life — European Convention on Human Rights, 1950, Article 2 — Failure to take measures to protect against a risk to life — Obligation to safeguard the lives of those within State’s jurisdiction — Obligation to carry out an effective investigation into the circumstances of suspicious death

Human rights — Prohibition of slavery and forced or compulsory labour — European Convention on Human Rights, 1950, Article 4 — Palermo Protocol — Trafficking in human beings — Human dignity, democratic values — Protection of human rights of victims and potential victims of trafficking — Obligation to protect from trafficking and exploitation — Obligation to punish traffickers — Obligation to investigate situations of potential trafficking — Duty to cooperate with other States

Human rights — Right to liberty and security of person — European Convention on Human Rights, 1950, Article 5 — Unacknowledged detention — Confinement by private individuals — No basis in domestic law — Arbitrary and unlawful deprivation of liberty

Damages — Human rights — European Convention on Human Rights, Article 41 — Just satisfaction — Anguish and distress — Costs and expenses