06/08/2012
Baroness Helena Kennedy appointed new Co-Chair of IBAHRI
The International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) today announced Baroness Helena Kennedy QC as its new Co-Chair. A member of the House of Lords; Chair of Justice (the British arm of the International Commission of Jurists); President of the University of London’s School of Oriental and African studies; and Principal at Mansfield College, Oxford University, Baroness Kennedy is the first female co-chair of the IBAHRI and joins existing Co-Chair Sternford Moyo, former president of the Zimbabwe Law Society, to lead the IBAHRI Council.
Of the appointment Baroness Kennedy, commented ‘I am delighted to join the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute as Co-Chair. It is a welcome opportunity to lend my voice and support to the important work it carries out in the field of human rights, particularly in relation to the rule of law and access to justice. These are issues which I have worked closely on throughout my career and feel passionate about. I look forward to the appointment and hope to build on the work and momentum of my predecessors, alongside my fellow Co-Chair Sternford Moyo.’
In her work as a barrister at Doughty Street Chambers, London, United Kingdom, Baroness Kennedy has acted in a number of prominent cases over the last 30 years, including the Brighton Bombing, the Michael Bettany espionage trial, the Guildford Four appeal and the bombing of the Israeli embassy. A staunch advocate for the equality of women in law, Baroness Kennedy played a significant role in Britain in promoting equal opportunities for women at the Bar; she became a member of the Bar Council to champion women in the profession and called for research into the experience of women lawyers and particularly their absence on the Bench. Baroness Kennedy has lectured on human rights law, civil liberties and constitutional issues, both in Britain and internationally, has been honoured by the governments of Italy and France for her work on human rights, and is the recipient of more than 30 honorary doctorates.
International Bar Association President Akira Kawamura said, ‘We are honoured to have Baroness Helena Kennedy QC join the governing body of the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute. A distinguished jurist and leading voice in human rights, social justice and equality issues, with an unfailing dedication to empowering those in society conventionally ignored – we wholeheartedly welcome her.’
ENDS
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Romana St. Matthew - Daniel
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Editor’s notes
For a full list of Baroness Helena Kennedy QC’s work and achievements visit: www.helenakennedy.co.uk/about/main.html
Click here to watch Baroness Helena Kennedy speaking to the IB A in a webcast panel discussion on women in the law: www.ibanet.org/Article/Detail.aspx?ArticleUid=80CA5C6B-28FC-4ED7-A4E9-B8CC988E1218
About the International Bar Association
The global voice of the legal profession
The International Bar Association (IBA), established in 1947, is the world’s leading organisation of international legal practitioners, bar associations and law societies. Its membership includes over 45,000 lawyers and more than 200 bar associations and law societies spanning every continent. The IBA influences the development of international law reform and shapes the future of the legal profession throughout the world.
The IBA’s administrative office is in London. Regional offices are located in São Paulo, Brazil and Seoul, South Korea.
Grouped into two divisions – the Legal Practice Division and the Public and Professional Interest Division – the IBA offers its members access to leading experts and up-to-date information across all areas of legal practice and professional interest. Through a network of specialised committees, the IBA enables an exchange of information and opinions regarding laws, practices and professional responsibilities pertaining to the practice of law globally. High-quality publications and world-class conferences further provide unrivalled professional development and networking opportunities for legal practitioners and professional associates.
The IBA’s Bar Issues Commission provides a forum for IBA member bar associations and law societies to discuss any matter relating to law at an international level.
The IBA’s Human Rights Institute works to promote, protect and enforce human rights under a just Rule of Law, and to preserve the independence of the judiciary and the legal profession worldwide.
In partnership with the Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa, the IBA created the Southern Africa Litigation Centre,based in Johannesburg, South Africa, to promote human rights and the Rule of Law in Angola, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The IBA was instrumental in establishing the International Legal Assistance Consortium in Stockholm, Sweden. This global consortium of non-governmental organisations provides technical legal assistance to post-conflict countries.
Through a grant-funded project, the IBA also maintains an office in The Hague which manages the IBA’s International Criminal Court (ICC) Programme. This office follows the work and proceedings of the ICC, focusing primarily on the fair trial rights of the accused and the manner in which the Rome Statute and other legal documents of the Court are implemented and encourages the legal community to engage with the work of the Court.
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