20th Anniversary of HELP Network Conference

The 20th Anniversary of the HELP Network Conference, held on July 4–5, 2024, in Strasbourg, France, commemorated two decades of the Human Rights Education for Legal Professionals (HELP) program. Organized under the auspices of the Lithuanian Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, the event brought together legal professionals from across Europe to reflect on the program's achievements and discuss future directions.

Key topics addressed during the conference included the integration of HELP courses into university curricula, the program's support for Ukraine amid ongoing challenges, and the reinforcement of European values in the face of current geopolitical events. Discussions also focused on expanding the program's reach to future lawyers and enhancing cooperation with academic institutions.

The conference featured notable speakers such as Prof. Dr. Lyra Jakulevičienė, Dean of the Law School at Mykolas Romeris University, who emphasized the importance of the HELP program for both current legal professionals and law students. Attendees had opportunities for networking and collaboration, fostering a unified approach to defending European values and human rights standards.

This event was particularly relevant for legal professionals, educators, and policymakers interested in human rights education and the application of European legal standards. Participation provided insights into the program's impact over the past two decades and offered a platform for shaping its future trajectory.