Andrea E. Ostheimer, Representative of Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung to the United Nations, New York Office; Christopher Pioch, Co-chair NYCBA Task Force on the Independence of Justice; Diego García-Sayán, UN Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers, Baroness Helena Kennedy QC, Director of the International Bar Association's Human Rights Institute, Nicholas Opiyo, Executive Director of Chapter Four, Uganda; Laurent Pettiti, Avocat au Barreau de Paris, Ancien Membre du Conseil National des Barreaux – Ancien Membre du Conseil de l’Ordre; Dr. Mónica Castillejos-Aragón, Program Manager / Rule of Law, KAS New York Office, William A. Wilson III, Member, Task Force on the Independence of Lawyers, and Judges, New York City Bar Association
The Office of Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung to the United Nations in New York, the New York City Bar Association, and Dunnington Bartholow and Miller LLP have the pleasure to invite you to an in-person panel discussion to reflect on challenges faced by the legal profession worldwide.
On June 20th, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers, Mr. Diego García-Sayán presented a report to the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva in which he addresses the importance of protecting persons who practice law since the free exercise of the legal profession is an indispensable element of the judicial guarantees that ensure a fair trial and the protection of human rights.
The Special Rapporteur’s report notes with concern a global increase in practices that undermine, limit, restrict and hinder the practice of law.
This is especially true for lawyers whose activities are focused on the fight against corruption, the defense of human rights, or the protection of groups in vulnerable situations. In his report, the Special Rapporteur identifies trends and patterns of interference in and attacks on the legal profession.
The report stresses that persons who practice law play a fundamental role in the consolidation of the rule of law and the protection of human rights. The Special Rapporteur describes in his report the international and regional standards that are aimed at protecting the legal profession and reminds States of their duty to guarantee that these persons can exercise their profession without undue restrictions. In addition, the Special Rapporteur provides recommendations to member states on how to protect persons practicing law.
Opening remarks:
Andrea E. Ostheimer
Representative of Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung to the United Nations, New York Office
Christopher Pioch
Co-chair NYCBA Task Force on the Independence of Justice
Speakers:
· Diego García-Sayán
UN Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers
· Brian J. Dooley
Senior Advisor to the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders
· Baroness Helena Kennedy QC
Director of the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute
· Nicholas Opiyo
Executive Director of Chapter Four, Uganda
· Laurent Pettiti
Avocat au Barreau de Paris
Ancien Membre du Conseil National des Barreaux – Ancien Membre du Conseil de l’Ordre
Discussion and Questions (20 minutes)
Moderator: Dr. Mónica Castillejos-Aragón
Program Manager / Rule of Law, KAS New York Office
Closing Remarks:
William A. Wilson III
Member, Task Force on the Independence of Lawyers, and Judges
New York City Bar Association
Speakers: · Diego García-Sayán, UN Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers · Brian J. Dooley, Senior Advisor to the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders · Baroness Helena Kennedy QC, Director of the International Bar Association's Human Rights Institute · Nicholas Opiyo, Executive Director of Chapter Four, Uganda · Laurent Pettiti, Avocat au Barreau de Paris, Ancien Membre du Conseil National des Barreaux – Ancien Membre du Conseil de l’Ordre Moderator: Dr. Mónica Castillejos-Aragón, Program Manager / Rule of Law, KAS New York Office