On 23–24 July 2026, the sixth training session for representatives of the National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) of the Office of the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights took place in Lviv. The training focused on the application of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and the case-law of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) in the context of Russia’s ongoing armed aggression against Ukraine. The programme addressed issues related to mobilisation, the activities of Territorial Centres of Recruitment, as well as the protection of the rights of prisoners of war.
During the first day, participants refreshed their knowledge of the key provisions of the ECHR and the ECtHR’s approach to the protection of human rights under Articles 3, 5, 8 and 9 of the Convention, anti-discrimination standards, and the conditions under which States may derogate from their obligations under the Convention during martial law. Particular attention was paid to the challenges of ensuring the protection of human rights in the context of war.
The second day was focused on the practical application of the knowledge acquired during the training. Working in small groups, participants analysed a simulated case, developed legal arguments in line with ECtHR standards, presented their submissions and received feedback from the trainers. This interactive format helped strengthen participants’ practical skills in analysis of various cases, legal reasoning and the application of ECHR standards in professional work.
The training marked the conclusion of a series of capacity-building initiatives aimed at strengthening the institutional capacity of the NPM staff members to effectively apply the standards of the European Convention on Human Rights and the case-law of the European Court of Human Rights in addressing challenges arising from the war.
The training was delivered by the national consultants Serhii Zayets and Nataliia Gurkovska, who have extensive experience in the field of human rights protection and the monitoring of places of deprivation of liberty.
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.
