GENEVA (26 June 2023) – A UN expert said today that it was crucial to “reimagine access to justice” and view the rule of law from perspectives of those around the world who bear the brunt of inequalities, systematic discrimination and persistent marginalisation.
In her first report to the Human Rights Council, UN Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers, Margaret Satterthwaite outlined major challenges to the independence of judges and lawyers that she will prioritise in her new role.
“I will focus on autocratisation and democratic decay, climate crisis and climate-related displacement, digital technologies, efforts by those with economic advantages to influence the judiciary, and systemic inequalities and discrimination that threaten independence,” Satterthwaite said.