IG on International Human Rights Law | Monthly Breakfast Session | 29 July 2026
The ESIL Interest Group on International Human Rights Law
is hosting
Online Series
Monthly Breakfast Sessions
Sarah Thin
on
The Five-Year Rule and its Discontents: Delay as an Abuse of the Right of Submission before the UN Human Rights Committee
29 July 2026, 08:00 AM CET, Online
ABOUT THE SESSION
In this new session, Sarah Thin (Radboud University) will discuss “The Five-Year Rule and its Discontents: Delay as an Abuse of the Right of Submission before the UN Human Rights Committee” to examine the emergence and practical operation of the Human Rights Committee’s ‘five-year rule’ under Article 3 of the First Optional Protocol to the ICCPR. Although the Optional Protocol contains no explicit time limit, the Committee has developed a presumption that communications submitted more than five years after the exhaustion of domestic remedies constitute an abuse of the right of submission and are thus inadmissible. Tracing the jurisprudential evolution of this approach and its codification in Article 99(c) of the Rules of Procedure, this presentation analyses how the rule is applied in practice and critically assesses the Committee’s approach from interlinked doctrinal and institutional perspectives. It considers whether the Committee is correct to label these instances of delay as ‘abuse’, whether in so doing it has exceeded its mandate, and what consequences may arise relating to the transparency, fairness, and legitimacy of the individual complaints procedure.
MORE ABOUT THE MONTHLY BREAKFAST SESSIONS
Looking for a low-pressure way to discuss the latest in International Human Rights Law? The ESIL IG on International Human Rights Law is excited to announce a new initiative designed to foster an informal, constructive space for our community. Starting in April, we will host monthly “breakfast” sessions on the last Wednesday of every month to support research development and encourage open debate.
These one-hour sessions offer a relaxed environment for members to share ongoing work—even at the earliest stages—and receive valuable feedback. We particularly encourage early-career researchers (broadly understood) to use this platform to showcase their ideas. Since these meetings are intended to fit into your morning routine, feel free to join us while you start your day; there is no need to stay tethered to your desk!
IN A NUTSHELL
The Vibe: Informal and constructive. Join us while you commute, grab coffee, or start your daily routine—no desk required!
The Goal: To share ongoing research, debate current issues, and support our members’ ideas.
Who is this for? While everyone is welcome, we especially invite early-career researchers to present their unfinished work and gather insights from the broader IG community.
How will it work? Presenters will have up to 30 minutes to present, followed by questions and comments from the IG community.
When? Every last Wednesday of the month 8-9am CET (time can be adjusted for speakers’ need)
How to sign up? If you are interested in presenting, send an email at esilighumanrightslaw@gmail.com, specifying the topic of your presentation and your availability.
