NSJU and HELP: professional development opportunities for judges and court staff in 2026

The National School of Judges of Ukraine continues its strategic cooperation with the Council of Europe's HELP (Human Rights Education for Legal Professionals) Project for Ukraine, including during the war, Phase 2, as well as with national partners – the Higher School of Advocacy of the Ukrainian National Bar Association, the Coordination Center for Legal Aid, and the Training Center for Prosecutors of Ukraine.

The joint initiative aims to improve the qualifications of judges and court staff and to implement European human rights standards in the context of war and digital transformation.

In February-March 2026, four new tutoring courses will be launched, adapted to Ukrainian legislation and current challenges in the field of justice, in particular in the areas of protection of military personnel rights, personal data protection, digital technologies, and mental health.

Human rights in the Armed Forces

Start: February 26, 2026 (online)

Duration: until May 20, 2026

Participation: 15 judges and assistant judges (competition)

The course covers eight modules:

– the regulatory framework for the activities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine;

– protection of the rights of military personnel;

– powers of the military ombudsman;

– application of international humanitarian law;

– practice of the European Court of Human Rights;

– application of the ECHR and EU law;

– analysis of Ukrainian judicial practice;

– conflict issues and practical cases.

 

Protection of personal data when publishing court decisions

Start: March 17, 2026 (Kyiv)

Distance learning: until April 17, 2026

The course is practical in nature and focuses on the balance between openness of justice and the right to privacy (Article 8 of the ECHR, Convention 108+, GDPR).

Topics include:

– algorithms for publishing court decisions;

– issues of depersonalization;

– risks of re-identification;

– effective legal remedies.

Artificial intelligence and human rights

Start: March 19, 2026 (Kyiv)

Duration: until June 3, 2026

Participation: 25 judges (competition)

The course highlights the possibilities of artificial intelligence and its impact on human rights, democracy, and the rule of law, in particular:

– introduction to artificial intelligence;

– the role and responsibility of judges and prosecutors in the use of AI;

– international principles regarding AI;

– regulation of AI in Ukraine and Europe;

– human rights and algorithmic decisions;

– prospects for the use of AI in the judiciary and the activities of the prosecutor's office.

Mental health and human rights

Start: March 31, 2026 (in-person session in Lviv)

Distance learning: until June 30, 2026

The course raises awareness and professional skills regarding standards in the field of psychiatry and human rights, and helps to effectively apply international legal and European standards in the consideration of cases related to mental health. Modules include analysis of ECHR practice, Ukrainian legislation, and judicial practice, as well as interactive exercises and tests to reinforce the material.

Focus:

– ECHR standards for the protection of persons with mental health disorders;

– compulsory treatment and hospitalization;

– dignity, autonomy, non-discrimination;

– analysis of the practice of the ECHR and Ukrainian courts.

!!! Ukraine ranks first among the member states of the Council of Europe in terms of the number of users of the HELP Platform, which indicates a high demand for knowledge in the field of human rights in the context of war and European integration.

Benefits of participating in the training:

– integration of European standards into daily practice;

– adaptation of international courses to the Ukrainian context;

– training of certified tutors;

– blended learning format;

– fostering a culture of continuous education.

Participation in HELP courses is not only an opportunity to obtain a certificate, but also a chance to deepen practical skills in applying human rights standards in daily professional activities. 

Detailed information and registration links can be found in the “Announcements” section on the NSJU website.