The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs invited 32 law students to participate in the “crash course”, which was organised as part of the 75th anniversary of the Council of Europe and took place during the World Forum for Democracy in November 2024.

Some of the law students were selected by winning essay writing competitions and others on the basis of academic excellence in their international law classes.

Reflecting on the trip, King’s Inns student Krizia Testa said: “It really drives home just how fundamental and pivotal the work of the Council of Europe is, and in particular the Venice Commission in safeguarding human rights and the rule of law across Europe and beyond, given the democratic backsliding, which I personally think is very evident across Europe and beyond.”

She also underlined the Council of Europe’s role in shedding light on weaknesses in the rule of law and then ensuring that member states are held accountable for human rights breaches.

“When a member state engages truly with the Council of Europe, it can really better and strengthen its human rights protections and its rule of law mechanisms,” she said.

Ulster University student Ché Morrison said he was surprised to discover the amount of influence Ireland has within the Council of Europe, with Irish lawyers serving as commissioner for human rights and on the European Court of Human Rights.

He said: “Now I’m just excited to be a part of it and represent Ireland in the future within the Council of Europe as well. The second I get home I’m getting on all the opportunities and will make my career plan.”

The students met the Council of Europe’s deputy secretary general, Bjørn Berge, as part of their visit and discussed the role of the Council in defending democracy as well as its aim to better engage with young people.

A short video recorded during the trip has been published on Vimeo.