Ukrainian advocacy integrates HELP into the system of professional development

In recent years, the Ukrainian National Bar Association has become one of the Council of Europe’s key partners in implementing the HELP programme, an educational project aimed at developing the legal profession through training in European human rights standards.

This was stated by Valentin Gvozdiy, the Vice President of the UNBA, BCU, during the annual conference of the HELP (Human Rights Education for Legal Professionals) network, which took place on July 3–4, 2025, in Strasbourg.

The Council of Europe's HELP program is more than just a platform for online courses. It has become a tool for modernizing the system of professional development for Ukrainian advocates and a means of introducing European standards and ethical approaches into the daily practice of lawyers.

The UNBA has ensured the deep integration of HELP into national educational mechanisms. According to V. Gvozdiy, more than 80% of the courses have been translated into Ukrainian, adapted to Ukrainian legislation, and included in the mandatory professional development program. The Higher School of Advocacy has organized their dissemination through tutoring formats, thematic trainings, and continuous updating of training programs.

HELP courses cover key topics: access to justice, prohibition of ill-treatment, right to liberty and security of person, protection of personal data, and anti-discrimination. Particular attention is paid to the application of the practice of the European Court of Human Rights, and it is precisely this competence that, according to the UNBA, is currently critically needed to be developed among Ukrainian lawyers.

Another important result is the official recognition of the courses as part of the mandatory training for advocates providing free legal aid. For each course completed, advocates receive 2 credit hours (credits). This has significantly increased the level of involvement of lawyers in training and adapted HELP courses for use in crisis and war situations.

At the same time, the Vice President of the UNBA, BCU noted that even under martial law, the UNBA remains a reliable and proactive partner of the Council of Europe in promoting human rights and the rule of law in Ukraine. The HELP program has become a platform for horizontal cooperation between representatives of different legal professions, promoting the unity of advocates, judges, and prosecutors in training on European human rights standards.