Applications Now Open for Matra Rule of Law Training: “Human Rights and Minorities” and “Detention and Alternative Sanctions”

The NHC is now accepting applications for two Matra Rule of Law Training Programmes: Human Rights and Minorities, to be held 26 September – 28 October 2022, and Detention and Alternative Sanctions, to be held 7 November – 9 December 2022. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Human Rights and Minorities

The promotion and the protection of human rights are inextricably linked to the rule of law. However, despite existing legislation, the protection of vulnerable groups such as ethnic minorities, LGBTI and women remains problematic. This requires continuous reflection on the importance of human rights in a wide range of policy areas, on the relationship of countries with the European Court of Human Rights, and on the necessity to take EU guidelines and international human rights treaties into account when drawing up policies and legislation.

The training on Human Rights and Minorities is thus intended for persons holding senior positions in state bodies that are working on monitoring and improving the implementation of such internationally agreed upon human rights standards. They can come either from independent institutions (such as National Human Rights Institutes and Ombudsman bodies) or from government ministries.

Detention and Alternative Sanctions

Finding the right balance between sanctions, reintegration and the protection of victims and society is important for the execution of criminal sanctions in a manner that is respectful of fundamental rights. This is based on the idea that a punishment in criminal justice serves various purposes: retribution, deterrence, public security and reducing recidivism. Modern criminal justice systems strongly value reducing recidivism, which is enhanced by humane treatment of offenders, a criminal justice system oriented towards rehabilitation, and a profound consideration of proportionality, subsidiarity and effectiveness in sanctioning. So, what are possible alternatives to detention and how can these, and improved reintegration strategies, have a positive effect on perpetrators, victims and society as a whole?

The training on Detention and Alternative Sanctions is accordingly designed for persons holding senior positions in prison and probation management on a policy and/or an executional level, and for persons within the criminal justice system holding responsibilities in the execution of criminal sanctions (e.g. judges and prosecutors).

We accept applications of civil servants from Albania, Armenia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey and Ukraine.

The Matra Rule of Law Training programme is designed to strengthen institutional capacity in the field of rule of law within government organisations. To this end, seven training programmes are offered per year, each introducing the participants to best practices in a wide range of rule of law themes.

Through interactive (online) sessions combining theory, practical skills and study visits, policy advisors, members of the judiciary and other civil servants working in the justice sectors acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to drive reforms in their home countries. In addition, by taking part in the training programme, participants become part of a large transnational network of alumni, lecturers and relevant government departments in the Netherlands and in the target countries. This network offers a platform for learning, exchange and collaboration.

The Matra Rule of Law Training programme is designed and delivered by Leiden Law School, the Netherlands Helsinki Committee and The Hague Academy for Local Governance. It is financed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands.

For more information about these trainings and other Matra Rule of Law training programmes, and a link the online application forms, please click here.