VLADIMIR REGION, July 26 (RAPSI) – The number of complaints Russians filed with the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has been down fourfold, Tatiana Moskalkova, Russia’s High Commissioner for Human Rights said during the National Educational Youth Forum “Terra Scientia” on Wednesday.

Moskalkova also spoke on the development of the Russian judicial system. Citing relevant facts, she noted that the national judiciary had certain advantages as compared with the European court system. The ombudsman pointed out as an example that for instance the EHCR examined complaints for too long and applied vague criteria when deciding on admissibility of applications.

The Rights Commissioner stressed the necessity to continue the reform of the Russian judiciary, noting that citizens should be encouraged to more actively take part in administration of justice, underscoring the importance of broader use of jury trials.

The Russian Educational Youth Forum “Terra Scientia” was opened on June 27. The conference is held on the Klyazma River bank in the Vladimir Region, 200 kilometers from Moscow, by the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs, the Public Chamber and the Center of civil and patriotic education. The Forum is aimed to create conditions for the youth’s self-realization and development of youth professional associations.

The institute of human rights ombudsman is a government body involved in protection and promotion of rights and freedoms, and competent legal assistance. Moskalkova was appointed as the country's human rights ombudsman in April 2016.