The Council of Europe, in collaboration with the Human Rights Commission under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, recently organized a Spring school on human rights and the environment for law students from the Central Asia region. Held from May 14th to May 18th, 2024, the event brought together 41 law students representing 14 law faculties from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
The primary objective of the Spring school was to introduce participants to the case law of the European Court of Human Rights regarding environmental issues and climate change. Additionally, the event aimed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of global developments in this field, including relevant international legal instruments applicable in their respective countries.
The Spring school commenced with opening remarks from Mr. Sayasat Nurbek, the Minister of Higher Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan, emphasizing the country’s commitment to legal education, human rights, and the importance of the green economy. Mr. Igor Rogov, Chairman of the Human Rights Commission, urged students to acquire essential knowledge of human rights and the European Convention on Human Rights, regardless of their specialization. Ambassador Kestutis Jankauskas, representing the European Union to Kazakhstan, highlighted the EU’s support for various environmental programs in Central Asia, including initiatives involving universities.
Throughout the five-day event, European and international experts, including a Judge from the European Court of Human Rights, delivered lectures, engaged in interactive discussions, and conducted practical workshops. On the final day, participants had the opportunity to apply their acquired knowledge in a simulated court hearing. They were subsequently awarded certificates of participation by the Council of Europe.
This activity was organized within the framework of the “HELP in Central Asia” action under the Central Asia Rule of Law Programme 2020-2024, jointly funded by the European Union and the Council of Europe. The programme aims to enhance human rights, rule of law, and democracy in Central Asian countries in alignment with European and international standards.
Since the adoption of the EU’s Central Asia Strategy in 2007, various interventions have been launched in the region to support the rule of law sector. Notably, the Central Asia Rule of Law Programme, launched in 2020, aims to improve the lives of citizens by reinforcing human rights, rule of law, and democracy. Moreover, the EU has launched flagship initiatives on Water, Energy, and Climate, as well as Digital Connectivity, to contribute to Central Asia’s green transition and enhance access to secure internet connectivity. Through collaborative efforts with Central Asian partners, these initiatives aim to promote societies where the rule of law is upheld, justice is accessible, the environment is protected, and digital rights are promoted.