The updated HELP online course on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights has been officially published and is now opened for enrolment to interested participants. The course was initially developed in 2024 and updated in 2025 by the Human Rights Education for Legal Professionals (HELP) Programme of the Council of Europe, and the Digital Development Unit (DDU) / CAI Secretariat of the Directorate General Human Rights and Rule of Law (DGI), Council of Europe, as well as the Registry of the European Court of Human Rights.
The updated course reflects a comprehensive revision designed to align with current developments in the field, with a specific focus on standards established by the Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law, as well as other legal instruments at the international and European level. Its objective is to assist professionals in navigating the relevant legal and regulatory landscape, while fostering ethical decision-making, supporting assessment and management of potential adverse impacts related to activities within the lifecycle of the AI systems.
Within the scope of five modules, the updated course incorporates enhanced content to better illustrate basic concepts, current limitations and societal implications of AI. The revision process has been undertaken with particular attention to European and international frameworks and their principles on AI. The course also elaborates on the risk and impact assessment of AI systems, including, on HUDERIA Methodology and its elements. Drawing upon the intersection of AI with privacy and personal data protection, non-discrimination, and freedom of expression, the introduced updates also expand on the transversal issues and challenges on AI and human rights. Particular emphasis has been placed on AI and justice, with a view to providing participants with a thorough understanding of its implications for justice and the relevant principles.
The updated HELP course on AI and Human Rights offers a structured and contemporary framework to foster advanced competencies, practical expertise and contribute to an AI literacy. It is primarily intended for legal/justice professional, competent supervisory authorities, AI providers and users. It can also be useful for professionals from the IT sector, staff of civil society organisations, academia, university students, scholars, CoE/EU staff and anyone wishing to enhance their knowledge on AI. Developed using the HELP methodology, the topics are explored in a practical way by using presentations, interactive screens, knowledge tests and reflective exercises, enabling the users to apply the gained knowledge and skills.
The course is available in self-learning format, having a duration of 6 hours. Upon completion, users can generate the electronic Statements of Accomplishment, in proof of their acquired knowledge and skills. Prospective participants are invited to enrol to pursue the course on the HELP Platform. Detailed information along with the course brief is available at the following link: < AIHR ENG SL | HELP Programme>.
The course also benefitted from contributions from the project Foster Transparency of Judicial Decisions and Enhancing the National Implementation of the ECHR (TJENI), funded by Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway through the EEA and Norway Grants Fund for Regional Cooperation.
