Young Defenders Training Programme
Nottingham University (UK) – 17-21 March 2008
In March 2008, FTI will host a week-long meeting of young lawyers from Bulgaria, Italy, the UK and Romania. During this gathering, attendees will access high quality training, information, ongoing dialogue and mentoring opportunities in the fields of human rights law, criminal law and advocacy.
Participants will have the opportunity to share their professional and cultural experiences, learn about foreign law systems, exchange best practice, receive practical training on a range of criminal law and civil liberties issues, and to develop a shared vision of the future of human rights advocacy in Europe.
The programme aims to support emerging human rights and fair trial defenders to promote a culture of respect for the defence of human rights within their own countries, thereby improving access to justice for their citizens.
Programme:
- Plenary sessions on the human rights challenges faced by the European Union, and especially by Bulgaria, Italy, Romania and the UK;
- 3 days of practical skills-based training covering a range of criminal law issues, with emphasis on fair trial rights, and specific cross-border processes;
- A study and cultural visit to UK’s legal institutions;
- A clinical session to discuss current cases and issues with expert practitioners; and
- Free time to build up lasting relationships with other participants and to visit London.
To download our draft programme, please click here.
Please check our website regularly
A detailed draft programme will be available shortly
Application:
- The training and your accommodation in the UK is free of charge, with participants needing only to cover travel expenses to and from Nottingham. Some subsidy of travel costs may be available in exceptional circumstances at FTI’s discretion.
- This training programme is open to citizens from Bulgaria, Italy, the UK and Romania. It is hoped that eligibility will be extended in future years.
- Applicants must be aged 35 or less.
- All applicants must be fluent in English as the training will only be delivered in English.
- Applicants must show a specific interest in criminal law, human rights and civil liberties; in accordance with the aims of the programme, practicing lawyers and trainee lawyers will be given preference, however applicants with other relevant backgrounds will be considered (such as activists in relevant NGOs).
For those who do not meet those conditions, please keep an eye on our website, as we intend to conduct other activities and events with a view to supporting a wider range of young human rights and fair trial defenders.
For more information, please contact Priscillia de Corson: