Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv and the Council of Europe Launch Three Tutored Human Rights Courses

On 20 October 2026, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv hosted an official online event to launch three tutored courses under the Council of Europe HELP Programme (Human Rights Education for Legal Professionals).

The courses are organised as part of the Council of Europe project “HELP (Human Rights Education for Legal Professionals) for Ukraine, including during wartime”, Phase II, in cooperation with the University’s EuropIntegstion Centre.

Participants can enrol in three topical courses:

Official Opening of the Courses

The event was opened by Vadym Popko, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs (International Cooperation) at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Doctor of Legal Sciences and Professor.

In his welcoming remarks, he emphasised the importance of international academic cooperation, integrating European human rights standards into teaching and educating a new generation of professionals capable of applying these standards in practice.

The Vice-Rector also recalled the University’s long-standing cooperation with the Council of Europe. As early as October 2021, during a meeting between University leadership and Stan Nyorlov, Representative of the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, the prospects for strategic partnership and integrating HELP courses into University curricula were discussed. An important milestone was the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between the University and the Council of Europe Office in Ukraine on 29 August 2023.

Valentina Falco, the new Head of the Council of Europe Office in Ukraine, who began her mission in September 2026, also delivered welcoming remarks.

Symbolically, the launch of the HELP tutored courses at the University was her first public event in Ukraine in her new role. In her address, Valentina Falco highlighted the value of human rights education and the importance of continuing support for Ukraine through joint educational initiatives.

Halyna Smirnova, Senior Project Officer of the Council of Europe HELP project, also addressed participants, highlighting the importance of developing the HELP Programme in Ukraine and expanding access to high-quality human rights education.

Introducing the HELP Platform and New Courses

During the opening session, Halyna Smirnova introduced the HELP platform, its learning opportunities and the main areas of the Council of Europe project’s work in Ukraine.

The content and structure of the courses, the arrangements for tutoring and learning, and the adaptation of materials to the Ukrainian legal context were presented by AllaFedorova, PhD in Law, Associate Professor at the Chair of Comparative and European Law, Educational and Scientific Institute of International Relations, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, and member of the European Committee of Social Rights; and Olena Sviatun, PhD in Law, Associate Professor at the same Chair.

The tutoring team also includes Olena Shompol, PhD in Law, Associate Professor at the Chaie of Environmental Law, Educational and Scientific Institute of Law, TarasShevchenko National University of Kyiv, who will tutor the Environment and Human Rights course.

The involvement of academics from two of the University’s institutes promotes an interdisciplinary approach to human rights education, bringing together expertise in European, international and national law.

The tutored format combines independent study of learning materials with practical assignments, professional discussions and guidance from experienced specialists. This approach enables participants not only to acquire theoretical knowledge but also to develop practical skills in applying European human rights standards.

European Court of Human Rights Case Law in Focus

An important part of the launch event was a series of presentations by leading experts on the application of the European Convention on Human Rights and the case law of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR).

Vitalii Urkevych, Judge of the Grand Chamber of the Supreme Court, Doctor of Legal Sciences and Professor, delivered a presentation on implementing ECtHR case law within the national legal system.

The presentation addressed the execution of ECtHR judgments in Ukraine, the application of relevant national legislation and mechanisms for restoring violated rights. In particular, it examined individual and general measures for the execution of ECtHR judgments, including the possibility of reopening judicial proceedings and restoring applicants to their previous legal position.

Oleksandr Melnyk, a lawyer at the Registry of the European Court of Human Rights, gave a presentation on the admissibility of individual applications to the Court.

Participants explored the principal admissibility criteria, including the requirements of Article 35 of the European Convention on Human Rights. Particular attention was given to the principle of res judicata, the notion of an application that is “substantially the same”, and the grounds on which the ECtHR may declare an application inadmissible.

The practical focus of the presentations enabled participants to deepen their understanding of mechanisms for protecting human rights at the European level and the application of ECtHR case law within the national legal system.

Human Rights Education as Part of Ukraine’s European Future

The EuroIngration Centre at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv plays an important role in preparing and implementing this educational initiative. Its work focuses on promoting European legal standards, supporting European integration processes and implementing educational, research and expert projects.

The launch of the HELP courses provides students and academic staff with further opportunities to deepen their knowledge of human rights, strengthen professional competencies and engage with modern European educational practices.

Such initiatives are particularly important in the context of Ukraine’s European integration: closer alignment with the European legal area requires not only legislative changes but also professionals capable of effectively applying international and European standards in practice.

Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv continues to create new opportunities for high-quality legal education, the professional development of students and academic staff, and the promotion of a culture of respect for human rights in Ukraine.