How to Support Human Rights Education and Research in Ukrainian Law Schools

This mapping study report examines the current state of human rights education and research in Ukraine vis-a-vis the ongoing war.  Focusing on the pilot group of eight major schools of law in the country, the report provides an overview of the general characteristics of human rights research and education in Ukraine, including clinical legal education. It also examines the current situation in Ukraine with regard to human rights education and research, highlighting key features and challenges affected by the war. Finally, the report also provides recommendations to support and promote human rights education and research in Ukraine during the times of war and long after it.

We met with the author of the study, Arsen Markiv. To get to know Arsen better we asked him a few questions about the study and his background.

In December 2022, Arsen presented his study at the Human Rights Festival in Lund, Sweden.

Arsen Markiv about the Ukraine Mapping:

Could you tell us a bit about yourself and your background?

I am a lawyer and researcher from Ukraine. After obtaining my Master’s degree in law, I worked as an associate in an international law firm. However, the realisation of my precious passion for human rights law motivated me to make a significant turnaround in my legal career, and I started working as a legal counsellor with UNICEF Ukraine. Additionally, I was involved in teaching human rights courses at the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy. My main areas of interest are technology and human rights, as well as international humanitarian law.

How was the study developed?

The study began by examining the general state of human rights education and research in major Ukrainian law schools. Following this,

the challenges faced by these institutions in light of the ongoing war were identified, and potential areas for support and cooperation were determined to strengthen human rights education and research. Data for the mapping study were collected by analyzing program documents and curricula and directly contacting law school representatives.

Thanks to the valuable methodological support of RWI colleagues, it was possible to produce the study report in a fairly short amount of time. This provides an opportunity to share the study’s findings with human rights education and research networks worldwide and to spread a call for support. Yet, since the study is a pilot, it cannot be used for generalisation but to provide an overview of the overall picture.

Why do you think the study is essential for Ukraine?

 This study is important for Ukraine because it highlights the challenges facing law schools due to the ongoing war and prov

ides an overview of how it has impacted human rights education and research. Furthermore, the study provides recommendations for supporting human rights education and research in Ukraine. This study could bring more attention to the importance of human rights education and research in Ukraine and encourage international support for these efforts.

What are the key findings of the study?

The most significant finding is the fact that despite all the challenges, the educational system in Ukraine has adapted and continued to function, even with the highest interest in human rights and international law topics. At the same time, it is crucial that the international community continues to support the efforts of human rights educators, researchers, and practitioners by providing funding, training, and in-kind resources for projects that engage in human rights education and research in the country, to ensure that Ukrainian academia can preserve and continue to develop their full potential.

How can we use the study and its findings now?

We can use the study and its findings to encourage international support for human rights education and research in Ukraine and guide the development of programs and initiatives that support these efforts. Policymakers and other relevant stakeholders can use this study as a resource to promote human rights and international law education and research in Ukraine. Finally, the study can help raise awareness of the importance of human rights education and research in Ukraine and worldwide and promote a greater understanding of the challenges facing educators and researchers in the country in times of armed conflict.


Find the full mapping report here:

Ukraine Mapping Report

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