On 18 October, project in cooperation with Justice Academy launched two HELP courses relevant for the Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), Prohibition of Torture in Law Enforcement, Security and Other Coercive Contexts, and Standards of the European Committee for Prevention of Torture (CPT). They have been translated in Albanian and Serbian languages, adapted for the local context, and made available to legal practitioners through HELP platform of the Council of Europe. They can be accessed as both self-learning modules and modules tutored with support of experts engaged through the project. 

The launching event was used to introduce HELP Program for Western Balkans and more specifically to present outlines of two courses on Article 3 of ECHR to future tutors and attendees and agree on modalities for course delivery. One thematic session hosted Erik Svanidze, expert of the European Committee for Prevention of Torture (CPT), author of the course Prohibition of Torture in Law Enforcement, Security and Other Coercive Contexts.

Both modules will serve as complementary e-learning materials on Article 3 of ECHR for judges, prosecutors, police, correctional service, Ombudsperson, and other relevant professionals, in addition to two regular courses developed and institutionalised by the project with Justice Academy, Prohibition of Torture, Combating Impunity, and UN Manual on Effective Investigation and Documentation of Torture, and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (the so-called Istanbul Protocol).

As a follow up, on 25 October, project will organize training of tutors (ToT) for both modules, and further continue with cascade training of relevant legal professionals. The project “Strengthening the Kosovo* Institutions in Fight against Torture, Ill-treatment and Other Degrading Treatment”, is funded by Norway and implemented by the Council of Europe, in cooperation with Justice Academy, Ombudsperson Institution and other local counterparts.