The UN General Assembly, for example, has also repeatedly stated that “the rule of law and the proper administration of justice […] play a central role in the promotion and protection of human rights” and that “the administration of justice, including law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies and, especially, an independent judiciary and legal profession in full conformity with applicable standards contained in international human rights instruments, are essential to the full and non-discriminatory realization of human rights and indispensable to democratization processes and sustainable development”
The judiciary around the world is under attack. This is a fact we cannot deny. I would like to finish my presentation by strongly encouraging the members of the legal profession who are participating in this annual meeting to continue joining the effort of the United Nations, and stand up against actions that pose serious internal or external threats against the independence of the judiciary around the world.
This session focuses on examples of persecution of lawyers and judges in several countries and the consequent threats to access to justice and the rule of law. Speakers will describe their experiences of being intimidated by state and non-state actors, and the effects of such persecution on the practice and professional activities.
Speakers:
Federica D’Alessandra, Oxford Institute for Ethics, Law and Armed Conflict, Oxford, England.
Ramazan Demir, Istambul Bar Association, European Regional Forum Liason Officer, Human Rights Law Committee.
Diego García-Sayán, UN Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers.
Judge TahneyLee, GongGam Human Rights Law Foundation, Seoul, South Korea.
Alfredo Romero, Foro Penal, Caracas, Venezuela.
