San Diego World Affairs Council Presents
An Insider’s Perspective Series:
"The European Court of Human Rights:
Human Rights, Law, and Europe"
a conversation with
Judge Mykola Gnatovsky
Saturday, January 23rd, 2027
10:00 AM PST / 7:00 PM CET
Virtual Program via Zoom
About this Program
What does it mean to protect human rights across a continent—and what role does international law play when fundamental rights, national sovereignty, security, and political realities intersect?
Join the San Diego World Affairs Council for a special online conversation with Judge Mykola Gnatovsky of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) for an insider’s perspective on one of the world’s most important international human rights institutions.
Based in Strasbourg, the European Court of Human Rights hears cases involving alleged violations of the European Convention on Human Rights, addressing issues that touch on some of the most consequential questions facing European societies. Drawing on his experience as a judge, international law scholar, and longtime human rights practitioner, Judge Gnatovsky will offer insight into the role of the Court, the principles that guide its work, and the broader relationship between international law and the protection of human rights.
The conversation will also explore the evolving human rights landscape in Europe at a time of war, geopolitical change, technological transformation, migration, and challenges to democratic institutions and the international legal order.
This program is part of SDWAC’s An Insider’s Perspective series, bringing audiences into conversation with individuals whose professional experience offers a firsthand view of the institutions, events, and decisions shaping international affairs.
Free to the public. Available via Zoom. Pre-registration required.
About Mykola Gnatovsky
Dr. Mykola Gnatovsky has served as a Judge of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) in Strasbourg since June 2022 and has been elected Section President of the ECtHR, effective November 1, 2026. A distinguished scholar and practitioner in public international law, international humanitarian law, and human rights, he has more than two decades of experience teaching at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv.
Before joining the Court, Dr. Gnatovsky served from 2009 to 2021 as a member of the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT), including three consecutive terms as its President from 2015 to 2021.
Dr. Gnatovsky holds an LL.M. and a Ph.D. in International Law and serves as First Vice-President of the Ukrainian Association of International Law. His career spans academia, international human rights institutions, and the practical application of international law, bringing a unique perspective to contemporary questions of human rights, law, and Europe.
The San Diego World Affairs Council does not endorse any specific political ideology or viewpoint. As a nonpartisan organization, we are committed to presenting a wide range of perspectives to promote informed, respectful dialogue on complex global issues. The opinions expressed by speakers are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Council, its board, or its partners.
