On 23–24 July 2026, a two-day training session entitled "Professional Burnout: Recognising the Signs and Building Self-Preservation Strategies" was held for staff of the Department for Monitoring Compliance with Information Rights of the Office of the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights. The event was organized with the support of the Council of Europe project “Supporting the Implementation of European Human Rights Standards in Ukraine – Phase II.”

The training aimed to strengthen participants’ psychological resilience, enhance their emotional and physical self-regulation skills, and equip them with practical tools to prevent professional burnout. The programme combined interactive exercises, group discussions and practical activities designed to develop self-care strategies, restore personal resources and support adaptation to prolonged work-related stress caused by the war.

Throughout the training, participants explored the nature and key manifestations of professional burnout, learned how to identify early warning signs, practised emotional self-regulation techniques and mindful communication, and assessed their personal resources and self-care strategies. Particular attention was paid to changes in personal and professional identity during wartime, interaction with “difficult” people, and the development of skills for self-support and peer support.

Supporting the well-being of professionals working in the field of human rights is an important element of strengthening the institutional capacity of public institutions. Developing self-care skills and psychological resilience helps ensure that professionals can continue to perform their duties effectively, even in the face of prolonged crises.

The training was delivered by Olena Kopina, a psychologist, Gestalt therapist, mediator and dialogue facilitator with extensive experience in delivering training on psychological resilience, conflict resolution and effective communication.

Reference information: the Council of Europe Project "Support to the Implementation of the European Human Rights Standards in Ukraine: Phase II" is aimed at strengthening the system of human rights protection in Ukraine by bringing the national legislation in line with international standards and enhancing the operational capacity of the Ombudsperson to prevent torture and ill-treatment in places of deprivation of liberty and guarantee protection of the right to privacy and personal data.