Young Defenders Network
Fair Trials International’s 2009 Young Defenders Training Programme (22-26 June) was attended by 70 human rights defenders from 19 different European countries. Participants were given a unique opportunity to share their professional and cultural experiences, learn about cross-border criminal justice and access specialist training from leading experts from across Europe.
By bringing together young lawyers from across Europe we equip practitioners with new tools for their vital work in the defence of basic rights and help to promote a culture of respect for the defence of human rights within their own countries. Importantly, we also build a Europe-wide network of criminal defence practitioners and facilitate ongoing cooperation between lawyers in cross-border criminal matters. An online forum has been created for the participants and speakers to keep in touch, exchange ideas and seek assistance.
We are extremely grateful to the speakers for the time they generously devoted to the success of this year’s event. We would also like to thank the many organisations across Europe that helped us to advertise the course, our host the Human Rights Law Centre at the University of Nottingham, and the European Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency for their generous support.
FTI will be hosting the Young Defenders Training Programme again in 2010. If you are interested in participating, or your organisation would like to nominate attendees, please contact .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Former participants of the Young Defenders Training Programme, access the forum here.