Back Enhancing the capacities of legal professionals: keeping track of developments in Freedom of Expression

Enhancing the capacities of legal professionals: keeping track of developments in Freedom of Expression

Freedom of expression continues to be a vital right protected by legal standards across Europe, necessitating continuous education for those tasked with its protection. A recent capacity-building session provided already certified judges, prosecutors, and lawyers with up-to-date knowledge on the developments in the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights and advancements in European legislation related to freedom of expression.

During this two-day event, participants not only refreshed their knowledge and skills but also were better prepared to deliver comprehensive training to their peers. This effort is part of a longstanding cooperation with PROFREX partners such as the Academy of Justice and the Bar Association, ensuring the sustainability of their training programs and promoting ongoing professional development.

Complex topics were discussed, such as the challenges of freedom of expression online and the impact of digital technologies on media freedom. Moreover, the sessions explored the Council of Europe's recent guidance note on online mis- and disinformation, artificial intelligence in journalism, and other relevant Committee of Ministers recommendations.

This activity was organised within the framework of the action on “Protecting freedom of expression and of the media (PROFREX)”, implemented by the Council of Europe Division for Co-operation on Freedom of Expression. It is part of the joint European Union and the Council of Europe programme “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye”.

Brezovica/Brezovicë 8-9 July 2024
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Fifty practitioners to enhance skills in provision of occupational therapy

Following the adoption of the Guidelines for Occupational Therapy (OT), as well as the Training of Trainers (ToT) on OT that took place in January 2024, three 2-day cascade training sessions were organised in the course of February and March 2024.  Fifty professionals, mainly from the Prison Health Department, along with representatives from the Correctional Services, Institute for Forensic Psychiatry, and the Special Institute for Persons with Mental and Physical Disabilities, were trained on this important form of therapy.

To complement the theoretical aspects and provide the trainees with practical knowledge, some of the sessions were conducted in the Dubrava Prison, in a section which houses prisoners with both mental and somatic problems. This on-site training allowed the participants to observe and understand the application of OT principles in a real-life setting, thus enhancing their learning experience by connecting theory and practice.

These cascade training sessions allowed the participants to further improve their skills in applying the OT Guidelines and tools in prisons and other closed institutions, a concept which was thus far not utilised in a structured manner. Furthermore, training healthcare and correctional professionals together helps them further strengthen the inter-institutional cooperation in the treatment and rehabilitation of some of the most vulnerable members of the society.

Each of these sessions were facilitated by two trainers who had participated in the ToT in January and were supervised and mentored by a Council of Europe consultant who has been involved in the process since the very beginning, thus further strengthening institutional capacity to provide training.

The activity was conducted under the auspices of the Council of Europe project “Improvement of the treatment of persons deprived of liberty”.

 

 

*All references to Kosovo, whether to the territory, institutions, or population, in this text shall be understood in full compliance with United National Security Council Resolution 1244 and without prejudice to the status of Kosovo.

Istog/ Istok 26 March 2024
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