The Council of Europe organised the third module of the Programme of Advanced Training in the field of Human rights, the rule of law and democracy for Southern Mediterranean (PATHS Programme),on 6-9 December 2016 in Venice (Italy).
After a first module on constitutional justice, transitional justice and the legislative process, and a second module on the introduction to the European Convention on Human Rights and other international systems for the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, this third module focused on human rights in practice.
The module was attended by 23 participants from ministries, institutions, non-governmental organisations and the academic sphere, from various Southern Mediterranean partners (Algeria, Egypt, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine* and Tunisia).
Seven human rights experts from various international and non-governmental organisations participated in 13 sessions, covering topics such as pre-trial investigation, post-trial detention conditions, fight against terrorism, the obligation of non-discriminatory treatment, non-discriminatory policies and public services, promotion of gender equality, protection of children's rights, protection of women against violence and domestic violence, including refugee women and girls.
Through presentations, exchanges and simulation games, the module enabled the participants to better identify the different rights and freedoms as well as the guarantees acquired to the accused, and to better understand the detention conditions, taking into account the prohibition of torture and all inhuman and degrading treatments. It also resulted in a sharper understanding of the context, evolution and fundamentals principles of anti-discrimination legislation, and a better assessment of the importance in the public service of protecting vulnerable groups and identifying the most vulnerable ones.
* This designation shall not be construed as recognition of a State of Palestine and is without prejudice to the individual positions of Council of Europe member States on this issue.
