The UNDP, with EU support, hosted a seminar on ECtHR standards for legal professionals handling war crimes. Participants deepened their understanding of important legal articles, aiming to enhance the prosecution process. The initiative is part of a larger project to support victims and foster dialogue for regional peace and reconciliation.
On October 18, 2023, in Belgrade, the UN Development Programme, supported by the European Union, organized a one-day seminar aimed at enhancing the skills of local legal professionals in war crimes cases. This seminar gathered judges, prosecutors, assistants, and defense lawyers in a collaborative setting to discuss the standards set by the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR). The primary aim was to elevate their knowledge regarding the court’s practices relevant to their work.
The event aimed to fill the gaps in understanding ECtHR standards among legal professionals dealing with war crimes from the conflicts in the former Yugoslavia during the 1990s. The seminar served as a critical platform for exchanging best practices and experiences, ensuring that participants are well-versed in the essential legal principles that protect victims’ rights and uphold the fairness of trials.
The seminar underscores the urgent need for ongoing legal education among practitioners involved in war crimes. By aligning domestic legal standards with those of the ECtHR, the participants not only aim to ensure justice for victims but also strengthen the rule of law in the region, which is pivotal for reconciliation and peacekeeping efforts.
Original Source: www.undp.org
