A new training programme for judicial professionals in Bosnia and Herzegovina was held from 26 to 28 February in Mostar. Eight trainers from the entity training centres for judges and prosecutors participated in a new round of continuous training on applying European human rights standards enshrined in the European Convention on Human Rights.

The programme focused on issues related to freedom of expression, hate speech and the prevention of hate crimes. It covered the protection of reputation and individual rights, the role of media watchdogs, the safeguarding of journalistic sources, freedom of expression online, prejudice, and identifying both victims and perpetrators of hate crimes, using case studies.

The training was delivered by legal experts from the Faculty of Law in Sarajevo and the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The methodology applied was based on the previously developed Human Rights Training Curriculum.

The continuous training programme for identified trainers from entities’ training centres will further enhance their knowledge and skills, as well as their ability to transfer this expertise to their peers. This initiative is part of broader efforts to strengthen the capacity of legal professionals to apply human rights and anti-discrimination standards in their work.

The training programme was carried out as part of the Council of Europe project Support to a coherent national implementation of the European Convention on Human Rights and facilitating the execution of judgements of the European Court of Human Rights in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The project is funded under the Action plan for Bosnia and Herzegovina for the period 2022-2025.