42 attorneys from North Macedonia successfully completed the online HELP (Human Rights Education for Legal Professionals) course on “Ethics for judges, prosecutors and lawyers.” The course covers in an interactive way the key concepts, the International and European framework and the relevant case-law of the European Court of Human Rights and of the Court of Justice of the European Union. It is aimed at deepening the knowledge and understanding of professional tools and at developing reflective skills, based on practical examples, to address ethical dilemmas in the performance of professional duties.

Legal professionals occupy a critical and sensitive place in society; the way they conduct themselves directly impacts public confidence and the administration of justice. Therefore, they have a duty to maintain the highest of ethical behaviour. There are international standards providing guidance on ethical conduct and on the core principles of these professions. Independence, impartiality, and integrity underpin the rule of law in a healthy democracy and guarantee the protection of human rights. This course is thought to help professionals understand the purpose and importance of ethics in the administration of justice for the benefit of the people, allowing to identify key concepts and understand common values, ethical principles, and virtues.

 “The course is well-conceptualised and very educational, it gives the opportunity to access at any time to read. The topics covered are relevant, and the practical cases given will help us to resolve many dilemmas on how to act in certain situations to fulfil our professional obligations. The content of the course deepens our knowledge and understanding of professional tools that help to increase awareness about the challenges in terms of integrity among professionals in the field of law, as well as to understand the common values, ethical principles, and virtues that judges, prosecutors, and lawyers must possess. These trainings are an inexhaustible source for new knowledge, professional improvement and improving one's personal and moral reputation”, - said one of the attorneys who successfully completed the course.

Other attorneys in their feedback mentioned that this was an excellent course especially relevant for professionals practicing law and expressed their gratitude to the organisers and tutors for enabling them to upgrade their knowledge.

Following the successful completion of the course the participants will obtain certificates.

The course was implemented in co-operation with the North Macedonia Bar Association with the support of the action “Towards a consolidated and more efficient Free Legal Aid System in North Macedonia”, part of the joint European Union and Council of Europe programme “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye”, as well as the project “HELP in the Western Balkans” funded by the Human Rights Trust Fund.