The 12th edition of the Course on the European Convention on Human Rights took place at the Venice Headquarters from 9 to 12 April 2026.
Organised since 2014 by the Training and Project Department, the course targets Italian lawyers, judges, and legal practitioners, aiming to professionalise their knowledge and practical application of the values and principles of the Convention.
Year after year, we have created a community of experts committed to ensuring respect for the enshrined in the Convention through the informed and effective application of its jurisprudence in their professional practice.
The course foresaw a division in two parallel modules: the first one designed for those who are approaching the Convention and its principles for the first time, and the second one for those with an advanced knowledge of the subject and the practicalities of the proceedings before the Court, and willing to further study and analyse case laws and procedures as well as remain updated on the most recent judgements.
Meetings and exchanges with judges of the ECHR
Participants in both modules had the occasion to meet and exchange with 4 judges of the European Court of Human Rights: Vice President Ivana Jelić, together with judges Davor Derenčinović, Gilberto Felici and Ioannis Ktistakis.
The dialogue between Courts was joined by the Vice President of the Italian Constitutional Court, Prof. Francesco Viganò and Judge Giuseppe De Marzo, from the Italian Court of Cassation.
Judges were invited to present andexchange with the 65 participants about selected recent judgements of the Strasbourg Court, right to a fair trial (Yüksel Yalçınkaya v. Turkey); the issues of protection of public demonstration and use of force by the police (Tsaava and others v. Georgia), freedom of expression within the judiciary (Danilet v. Romania), rights of the asylum seekers to be accommodated in the country where they requested for asylum (Camara v. Belgium).
Since the Course’s inception in 2014, the Global Campus has played a crucial role in promoting and defending fundamental rights, training over 1,000 legal practitioners and professionals in Italy through the general and advanced courses, as well as refresher seminars, webinars, and workshops held nationwide.
Each year, members of this community of experts meet at our headquarters in Venice to update themselves on the jurisprudence of the ECHR. These meetings offer an important opportunity for exchanging ideas, allowing participants to discuss recent legal developments and landmark cases handled by the Court. Furthermore, they foster the creation of a strong professional network among practitioners, helping to provide a system of support and collaboration essential for the defence and promotion of human rights.
Training and professional networking are key tools to ensure that the principles enshrined in the ECHR are not only understood but also effectively applied in the daily work of lawyers and legal experts, thus contributing to a more equitable legal system that respects the rights of all.
The second appointment of the year on the ECHR jurisprudence is the Advanced Seminar, this year at its 6th edition, and that will be held at our premises from 23 to 25 October 2026.