Ensuring human rights in the context of gender equality in the activities of legal clinics

Abstract

The article is devoted to ensuring human rights in the context of compliance with the principle of gender equality in the activities of legal clinics. The study is aimed at finding practical-oriented solutions that allow us to outline a complete picture of gender issues in the work of legal clinics. The main normative legal acts regulating the researched issue are considered. It has been established that the activities of legal clinics are aimed at conducting legal education activities, consulting, advocacy and other types of activities. Adherence to the principle of gender equality depends on the ability of clinician students to take into account the gender aspects of legal problems, overcome stereotypes and ensure an equal approach to each client. This is included in the ethical competences of the staff of the legal clinic. Possible ways of researching this issue have been determined: the external work of the clinic and the internal process of functioning. The external work of the legal clinic was analyzed. It is proposed to implement educational and social functions. Educational will be expressed in deepening theoretical knowledge and acquiring practical skills in solving problematic issues related to compliance with the principle of gender equality. The social function will be manifested in access to information about the realization of the right to equal rights and opportunities for men and women. The internal process of functioning of the legal clinic is analyzed, which may consist in observing an equal number of students represented in practical or scientific work in various events. It cannot be limited only to organizational or educational and methodological aspects. It is a tool for shaping academic justice, professional ethics and equality of opportunity. It was determined that the participation of Ukrainian legal clinics in networks such as ENCLE contributes to the exchange of experience, the implementation of modern educational methods and the approximation of the national system of clinical education to European standards. International experience in the activities of legal clinics is analyzed. It has been established that Harvard Law School and Yale Law School operate specialized clinics that deal with issues of gender-based and domestic violence.