The Department of Foreign Affairs of Ireland, in conjunction with the Permanent Representation in Strasbourg, invited 32 law students to participate in a "crash course" to learn how the Council of Europe works and to meet with leading officials. The visit was organised as part of the 75th anniversary of the Council of Europe and took place during the World Forum for Democracy on 6-8 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.
"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," said Krizia Testa, law student at The Honorable Society of Kings Inns in Dublin.
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."
Talking about Ireland in the Council of Europe, Ché Morrison from Ulster University, said that he was surprised by the amount of influence Ireland actually has within the Council of Europe.
"I've always known that Ireland was a founding member, but when I look at the accolades that Ireland has achieved like the Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O'Flaherty and Judge Ní Raifeartaigh. Also, the first female President of the Court, Síofra O'Leary, came from Ireland. 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."
During the visit, the students met the Council of Europe Deputy Secretary General, Bjørn Berge. They discussed several topics, including what the Council of Europe can do to communicate the tangible benefits of democracy to European citizens and that we should take for granted neither the benefits of democracy, nor citizens' unquestioning faith in it. The Deputy Secretary General also raised the issue of the Council of Europe's visibility, highlighting the importance of engaging with young people and encouraging them to promote its values in their personal and professional futures.
