The project “Support to the Constitutional Court in Applying and Disseminating European Human Rights Standards”, in cooperation with Council of Europe’s Human Rights Education for Legal Professionals (HELP) Programme, organised a Training of Tutors (ToT) on the HELP e-learning methodology with beneficiaries in Kosovo*[1]. Through partnership with the Justice Academy and the Bar Association, 25 judges, prosecutors and lawyers were trained to navigate effectively through the HELP online platform and to facilitate future trainings of legal professionals.

During the two-day training, participants were introduced HELP e-learning tools and taught how to create a national course page, add content and upload relevant materials and resources. Specific attention was given to the integration of national legislation, and the case-law of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) in the courses, by using the HUDOC caselaw database, ECtHR publications and other relevant sources. Trainees were also provided with an overview of the recently developed and updated HELP courses.

As a result of the training, participants have increased their understanding of the HELP Programme and its mission, and the role of HELP tutors in implementing HELP courses at national level. Trained professionals are now capable to adapt HELP courses to the national legal order and to the needs of the target audience. They are equipped with the knowledge and skills to facilitate HELP courses, disseminate various resources, support course participants in using the HELP platform and evaluate their learning process.

Participants who successfully complete their assignment become HELP Certified Tutor and are added to the roster of certified trainers.

Through various projects, the CoE Co-operation Programmes Division closely collaborates with the HELP Division, in this case, HELP in the Western Balkans project, to promote online courses developed to enhance the knowledge of human rights of legal professionals at national level. These courses serve as complementary learning materials to workshops, seminars, internships and other face-to-face capacity building activities.