The Council of Europe Programme on Human Rights Education for Legal Professionals (HELP) has recently developed an updated manual on the HELP methodology. It is now available in Russian.

The HELP methodology is a structured approach (with steps and principles for implementation), in accordance with which HELP courses are developed and rolled out. The methodology takes into account the specific needs of legal professionals and the heavy workload they face in their day-to-day professional life.

The updated methodology includes a step-by-step analysis of all stages of the development and adaptation of HELP courses as well as of the self-learning process and tutored learning. It also addresses the roles of all those involved in these processes: representatives of the Council of Europe HELP Secretariat, national HELP partners and trainers (mentors).

There are currently 36 self-study courses available on the HELP platform, 12 of which have already been translated into Russian and adapted to the Russian legal framework. Another 6 courses will be available by the end of 2021. They are being developed in the framework of the ongoing project HELP in the Russian Federation (phase III).

Training of current and future lawyers in general is essential for effective compliance with human rights standards at the national level. In line with the principle of subsidiarity, national authorities have the primary responsibility to protect human rights effectively. HELP Programme is based on this principle and is an important component of the sustainability of the European human rights protection system. The HELP methodology is an important tool that allows to "encourage the use of the most appropriate learning and training methods, taking into account the national context and the specific needs and expectations of the targeted public" (Recommendation CM/Rec(2019)5 of the Committee of Ministers to member States on the system of the European Convention on Human Rights in university education and professional training).