Celebrating the legacy of a global icon and the work of IBAHRI
Today, on Nelson Mandela International Day, the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) proudly commemorates the enduring legacy of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, who dedicated his life to the relentless pursuit of justice, equality and human dignity. As the Founding Honorary President of the IBAHRI, Mr Mandela’s belief in the power of law as an instrument for freedom and a shield against oppression laid the foundation of the Institute’s vital work around the world.
Mr Mandela’s remarkable journey – from political prisoner fighting apartheid to president of a democratic South Africa – continues to inspire hope and resilience globally. His vision for a just and equitable world resonates deeply with IBAHRI’s mission, especially in today’s challenging times when many regions face a breakdown of the rule of law, suppression of media freedom, attacks on legal professionals and the denial of fundamental human rights.
The IBAHRI remains committed to advancing Mr Mandela’s ideals by advocating for justice and human rights worldwide. Current initiatives include advancing the work of the Bring Kids Back Task Force, advocating for the return of Ukrainian children and developing an international framework to protect the rights of children in conflict; investigating human rights abuses in the Philippines, including extrajudicial killings targeting the legal profession; bringing attention to fair trial violations through the International Fair Trial Day and Ebru Timtik Award; raising awareness about the risks faced by lawyers in Iran and Turkey; addressing the issue of gender apartheid in Afghanistan and Iran and seeking accountability for victims; and protecting victims of torture and ill-treatment, as well as identifying areas where the rules to prevent torture are not being properly followed.
Furthermore, the IBAHRI serves as the Secretariat to the High-Level Panel of Legal Experts on Media Freedom, contributing to ensuring the safety and security of journalists worldwide. Additionally, the IBAHRI has worked on United Nations initiatives aimed at strengthening the independence of judges and lawyers and continues to call for justice and accountability and the protection of civilians in conflict zones.
On this international day in commemoration of Nelson Mandela, the IBAHRI remembers his enduring call for justice and equality. The IBAHRI reaffirms its commitment to these principles, standing together with the global community to uphold the rule of law, protect human rights and strive for a world where justice is accessible to all.
The IBAHRI will honour Mr Mandela’s legacy by continuing to work tirelessly for a more just and equitable world.
ENDS
Notes to the reader
- The International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI), established in 1995 under Founding Honorary President Nelson Mandela, is an autonomous entity working 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.
- Find the IBAHRI on social media here:
- The International Bar Association (IBA), the global voice of the legal profession, is the foremost organisation for international legal practitioners, bar associations and law societies. Established in 1947, shortly after the creation of the United Nations, with the aim of protecting and promoting the rule of law globally, the IBA was born out of the conviction that an organisation made up of the world's bar associations could contribute to global stability and peace through the administration of justice.
- Find the IBA on social media here:
Website page link for this news release:
Short link: https://tinyurl.com/4zpbddrs
Full link: https://www.ibanet.org/Celebrating-the-legacy-of-a-global-icon-and-the-work-of-IBAHRI