About the HRI

The IBA believes absolutely in the fundamental right of the world's citizens to have disputes heard and determined by an independent judiciary, and for judges and lawyers to practise freely and without interference.

In 1995, the IBA established the Human Rights Institute (HRI), under the Honorary Presidency of Nelson Mandela. The HRI is now a leading voice in the promotion of the rule of law worldwide.

Objectives of the HRI:

• The promotion, protection and enforcement of human rights under a just rule of law
• The promotion and protection of the independence of the judiciary and of the legal profession world-wide
• The adoption and implementation of standards and instruments regarding human rights accepted and enacted by the community of nations
• The acquisition and dissemination of information concerning issues relating to human rights, judicial independence and the rule of law

Activities
Through its worldwide Council and Committees, the HRI works to advance these by:

Rapid Response Mechanism:

• A mechanism to ensure the speedy dispatch of high-level, independent missions to countries where there are signs of a sudden deterioration in the rule of law and independence of the judiciary. Recent missions have taken place in Ecuador, Russia, Venezuela and Equatorial Guinea. All reports are available online in the relevant country sections.

Capacity Building/Technical Assistance:

• The HRI undertakes capacity building through long-term programmes of support to law societies. Technical assistance programmes have also been established to provide advice in the area of legislative reform. Some recent projects include: Afghanistan, Malawi, Mozambique, Swaziland and Zimbabwe.

Trial Observations

• The HRI sends independent experts to observe trials around the world to encourage compliance with fair trial standards and monitor and report upon legal proceedings. Most recent trial observations include Thailand.

Training:

• The HRI has organised a number of training programmes for lawyers, judges and prosecutors in international human rights law and humanitarian law. Most recently for Iraqi jurists.
• The HRI, together with the United Nations has produced a manual for judges, prosecutors, and lawyers: Human Rights in the Administration of Justice, which is the core human rights training manual used by both organisations. Click here to view the Manual.
• The HRI has developed a series of workshops for lawyers, judges and prosecutors for combating torture within the judicial sector. So far, workshops have been held in Kazakhstan, Turkey and Mexico.

Media:

• Interventions when lawyers, judges, officials of lawyer’s associations or others involved in the legal systems are threatened, detained or abused.
• Press Releases

• Radio programme, In the Balance, discussing human rights issues in Zimbabwe beamed into the country weekly.  
• Publishing HRI News four times a year and various other publications.