In 1994, the UN Commission on Human Rights noted the increasing frequency of attacks on the independence of judges, lawyers, and court officials as well as the link which exists between the weakening of safeguards for these officials and human rights violations. In response, the Commission appointed a Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers to investigate and report on these attacks. The current Special Rapporteur, Professor Diego García-Sayán discussed his current role and work with attendees. This work includes his yearly report to the United Nations, examinations into judicial corruption, ideas on current international legal standards, efforts to update those standards so that they remain applicable in the face of new challenges to the legal and judicial professions, as well as both oversight and enforcement mechanisms.

UN Special Rapporteur joins the New York City Bar Association’s Podcasts.

Diego García-Sayán, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers and William A. Wilson III, Chair of the Task Force on the Independence of Lawyers and Judges, New York City Bar Association.

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