PACE President Theodoros Rousopoulos, pictured with organisers and participants, opens up the Liverpool Summer School on the Law of the Council of Europe 2024
This week, the Liverpool Law School welcomes 43 participants and 27 experts from across Europe for Liverpool’s second Summer School on the Law of the Council of Europe.
This year marks a significant milestone celebrating 75 years since the signing of the Statute of the Council of Europe which established the organisation dedicated to the protection of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law across Europe.
The two-week Summer School opened on Monday 8 July with a keynote speech from the President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Theodoros Rousopoulos, who spoke on ‘The 75th Anniversary of the Council of Europe: PACE Initiatives for Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law’. This speech was followed-up by the Conversation with the Secretary General of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Despina Chatzivassiliou-Tsovilis.
From left to right: Professor Kanstantsin Dzehtsiarou, Ms Stefania Krugger, Dr Despina Chatzivassiliou-Tsovilis, Dr Theodoros Rousopoulos, Dr Katie Johnston, Demi Lee Franklin and Dr Vassilis Tzevelekos
Organised in partnership with the Council of Europe’s University OCEAN Network, and the International Law and Human Rights Unit, the Summer School is a crucial activity in increasing knowledge and awareness of the importance of the Council of Europe and its judicial body, the European Court of Human Rights.
Over the next two-weeks, discussions will cover contemporary challenges, such as the impact of the digital revolution and new technologies on human rights. By exploring both the opportunities and potential threats of these new technologies, participants will critically assess how well the Council of Europe and existing human rights laws are equipped to safeguard against these emerging risks.
Sessions will also delve into the contributions of various bodies within the Council, including the Committee for the Prevention of Torture, the Social Rights Committee, the Venice Commission, and the European Court of Human Rights, amongst others.
Professor Kanstantsin Dzehtsiarou, Co-organiser, said: “We’re delighted to continue this long-standing tradition of collaboration between our University and the Council of Europe at the Summer School. I look forward to hearing from both experts and participants over the next couple of weeks in what is set to be engaging and stimulating classes. This is also a great opportunity for our participants to foster professional networks and create lasting friendships.”