From algorithms to human rights: a review of the HELP course on artificial intelligence

The rapid development of digital technologies opens up enormous prospects for the justice system, but the justice system’s primary task is to ensure that no algorithm violates the principles of the rule of law and fair trial.

On 15 June 2026, the final meeting of the HELP course ‘Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights’ for judges and prosecutors took place in Kyiv. The course was organised as part of the Council of Europe’s ‘HELP (Human Rights Education for Legal Professionals) for Ukraine, including during the war. Phase II’, in cooperation with the National School of Judges of Ukraine and the Training Centre for Prosecutors of Ukraine.

The event took place in a hybrid format and served as a platform for discussing key issues relating to the application of artificial intelligence in the work of judges and prosecutors. Course participants and invited experts discussed the opportunities and challenges of using such technologies in the legal field.

Representing the National School of Judges of Ukraine at the opening of the event was the Deputy Head – Head of the Distance Learning Sector within the Judges’ Training Department, Tamara Zakrevska. In her address, she emphasised the importance of continuous professional development for judges in the context of the rapid advancement of digital technologies and the widespread use of artificial intelligence tools.

During the meeting, participants reviewed the outcomes of the course, which focused on the application of artificial intelligence through the lens of human rights standards. Participants discussed the key takeaways from the training, the prospects for using modern technologies in their professional practice, as well as the challenges associated with upholding the principles of the rule of law, fair trial and the protection of human rights in the context of the development of artificial intelligence.

Of particular interest were the presentations by course participants, who shared their practical experience of using artificial intelligence tools in the work of judges, as well as the panel discussion ‘AI in the judiciary and the public prosecution service: prospects and challenges’, during which experts discussed topical issues relating to the responsible and ethical use of artificial intelligence in the legal sphere.

In the afternoon, participants explored new possibilities for using artificial intelligence technologies in their work processes, took part in an open question-and-answer session and a concluding reflective exercise.

The event concluded with the presentation of certificates to course participants and a discussion of further training opportunities within the Council of Europe’s HELP Programme.

The National School of Judges of Ukraine will continue to support initiatives aimed at developing judges’ digital skills and introducing modern educational approaches necessary for the administration of justice in the context of technological change.