Human rights education during wartime: FSL hosts guest lecture by Council of Europe expert
On 1 May 2025, the Faculty of Sociology and Law (FSL) at Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute held a thought-provoking guest lecture featuring Galyna Smirnova, Senior Project Officer at the Council of Europe Office in Kyiv. The event, conducted in a hybrid format, was warmly received by students and faculty members.
Galyna Smirnova illuminated the goals and achievements of the Council of Europe’s HELP Programme (Human Rights Education for Legal Professionals) in Ukraine. This initiative continues to play a vital role in building up the capacity of judges, prosecutors, lawyers, and students to apply European human rights standards, particularly under severe wartime conditions.
The lecture sparked a lively discussion on a range of critical issues such as international humanitarian law, temporary protection within the European Union, and the complex legal challenges surrounding the deportation of children during armed conflicts. Participants also explored avenues to professional development and cooperation between Ukrainian legal institutions and the Council of Europe.
Special thanks are due to Galyna Smirnova for her valuable insights and to FSL students for their active engagement in this important event.
