The ECHR Toolkit for professionals is a practical resource developed by the Council of Europe to help public officials understand and apply European Convention on Human Rights standards in their everyday work. It provides accessible information on Convention rights, practical questions, checklists and examples relevant to situations encountered by professionals working with the public.
Why it matters for ENACT-AI
The resource can support responsible and human-rights-based use of AI by helping learners identify fundamental rights that may be affected by AI-supported decisions or public services. It is particularly relevant for developing awareness of human rights, non-discrimination, privacy, freedom of expression, proportionality, accountability and the rule of law. The toolkit's practical, rights-based approach can be adapted to discussions about AI risks and safeguards.
Learning outcomes
By using this resource, learners will be able to:
Identify key rights protected by the European Convention on Human Rights.
Recognise situations in which human rights may be affected by professional decisions.
Apply a human-rights perspective when analysing practical scenarios.
Assess whether an action or decision is necessary, proportionate and justified.
Reflect on how these principles can guide the responsible use of AI in public-sector contexts.
Suggested activity
Human Rights & AI Case Analysis:
Learners work in small groups and analyse a fictional scenario involving an AI system used by a public authority—for example, an AI-assisted decision concerning access to public services. Using the ECHR Toolkit, they identify which fundamental rights may be affected, discuss potential risks and determine what safeguards should be introduced. Each group presents its conclusions and explains how human oversight and proportionality could improve the decision-making process.