News releases

IBAHRI condemns the murder of Iranian dissident journalist Ruhollah Zam

The International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) strongly condemns the execution of Ruhollah Zam, an Iranian dissident journalist and editor of the website and Telegram channel AmadNews. Mr Zam was arbitrarily arrested in October 2020 and sentenced to death for ‘spreading corruption on earth’. The sentence was confirmed on 8 December and he was hanged on 12 December 2020.

Released on Dec 23, 2020

IBAHRI denounces Estonian parliament’s decision to hold marriage referendum

The International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) condemns the Estonian parliament’s proposal to hold a referendum, on 18 April 2021, on the definition of marriage.

Released on Dec 23, 2020

IBAHRI condemns Samoan Parliament’s passing of controversial constitutional reforms

The International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) expresses grave concern over the passing of controversial constitutional reforms in Samoa that will undermine the rule of law, weaken judicial independence and adversely affect human rights in the country. On 15 December 2020, three interconnected bills – the Constitutional Amendment Bill 2020...

Released on Dec 23, 2020

IBAHRI expresses concern over Hungarian laws expanding executive power and curtailing LGBTQI+ rights

The International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) condemns new legislation passed by the Hungarian Parliament on 15 December 2020, under the premise of working to mitigate the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Released on Dec 22, 2020

IBAHRI condemns federal executions in the United States

The International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) strongly condemns the recent executions of federal death row inmates in the United States of America, including those of Brandon Bernard and Alfred Bourgeois who were executed on 10 and 11 December, respectively.

Released on Dec 21, 2020

New discussion paper on 'Trust Tech' continues IBA work on bullying and sexual harassment in the legal profession

Following the 2019 release of the landmark report, Us Too? Bullying and Sexual Harassment in the Legal Profession, the International Bar Association (IBA) Legal Policy & Research Unit (LPRU) continues to prioritise and drive positive change within legal workplaces across the globe, with the publication of a thought-provoking discussion paper on ‘Trust Tech’ – technology that enhances and propagates trust in professional settings.

Released on Dec 9, 2020

JOINT STATEMENT - LAWYER NASRIN SOTOUDEH

We, the undersigned 26 Bar Associations, Law Societies, and organisations supporting the legal profession of over 14 countries, stand in solidarity with our Iranian colleague Nasrin Sotoudeh and other lawyers in Iran who are being persecuted by their Government for carrying out their profession diligently and in accordance with the law.

Released on Dec 7, 2020

IBAHRI condemns extrajudicial killing of Iran’s nuclear scientist, Mohsen Fakhrizadeh

The International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) condemns the assassination of senior Iranian nuclear scientist, Mohsen Fakhrizadeh on 27 November 2020. Mr Fakhrizadeh, described by some individuals as the individual spearheading Iran’s alleged covert nuclear weapons programme, was assassinated while travelling in his car in the Abe-Sard region of Damavand Count, 40 kilometres outside of Tehran

Released on Dec 3, 2020

Iran: Human rights organisations call for release of human rights lawyer, Nasrin Sotoudeh

Today, in an open letter to the Supreme Leader of Iran Ali Hosseini Khamene, the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI), the Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights (RWCHR), the Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI).

Released on Dec 2, 2020

IBA and IBAHRI express disappointment at Vatican decision to deny blessings for same-sex unions

The International Bar Association (IBA) and the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) express disappointment and concern at the decision of the Holy See – the universal government of the Catholic Church – not to allow the conferring of blessings on same-sex unions. The IBA and IBAHRI urge reconsideration and the reopening of dialogue to eliminate discrimination...

Released on Dec 1, 2020

IBAHRI calls for the immediate release of human rights defenders from the Egypt Initiative for Personal Rights

The International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) joins calls for the urgent release of prominent human rights defenders: Gasser Abdel Razek, Executive Director of the Egypt Initiative for Personal Rights (EIPR) - an organisation that promotes human rights in Egypt; Mohamed Basheer, EIPR Administrative Director; and Karim Ennarah, EIPR Criminal Justice Unit Director.

Released on Dec 1, 2020

IBA and IBAHRI support Greece ending custodial detention of unaccompanied migrant children

The International Bar Association (IBA) and the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) welcome the decision of the Greek government to end the longstanding practice of detaining unaccompanied migrant children in jail cells. The IBA and IBAHRI have been gravely concerned about the welfare of unaccompanied children detained by Greek authorities for several weeks, sometimes months, in small, overcrowded and unsanitary police station cells across the country, often with unrelated adult

Released on Nov 26, 2020

IBAHRI condemns harassment of Judge Tuleya and urges Poland to cease arbitrary proceedings against him

The International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) is deeply alarmed by the removal of immunity from Judge Igor Tuleya by the Disciplinary Chamber of Poland’s Supreme Court on 18 November 2020 and condemns the action. The decision violates the international standards protecting and upholding the independence of the judiciary and constitutes judicial harassment.

Released on Nov 25, 2020

New landmark report calls on Media Freedom Coalition States to create an emergency visa for journalists at risk

A new advisory report published today by the High Level Panel of Legal Experts on Media Freedom chaired by Lord Neuberger and Amal Clooney finds that journalists face unprecedented risks to their safety and makes a number of key recommendations to States, including the introduction of an emergency visa for journalists at risk.

Released on Nov 23, 2020

UK Government’s ‘activist lawyers’ and ‘playing politics’ rhetoric undermines the rule of law, say IBA and IBAHRI

The International Bar Association (IBA) and International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) condemn the hostile comments made by the United Kingdom’s Home Secretary, Priti Patel, and echoed by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, regarding the work of lawyers. The comments attempted to ostracise legal professionals as ‘do-gooder, lefty lawyers’ for providing legal representation to migrants seeking asylum in the UK.

Released on Nov 23, 2020

Venezuela: Human rights organisations appeal to the UN on case emblematic of Maduro’s assault on the Rule of Law

The International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI), the Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights (RWCHR), and the Human Rights Foundation (HRF) appealed to the United Nations to hold Venezuela accountable for the 11-year persecution and prosecution of Judge Maria Lourdes Afiuni, and to protect the independence of the Venezuelan legal profession.

Released on Nov 12, 2020

La globalización y la tecnología son impulsores clave de la formación jurídica, según una investigación de la IBA y la LSGL

Madrid, noviembre de 2020.- La internacionalización y la tecnología disruptiva destacan como las principales tendencias y oportunidades en el ámbito de la formación jurídica a nivel mundial y también como la causa de muchos de los desafíos a los que deben responder las facultades de derecho. Estos son los resultados del informe, Developing a Blueprint for Global Legal Education, un trabajo de la International Bar Association (IBA) y la Law Schools Global League (LSGL), y coordinado por la IE Law School.

Released on Nov 11, 2020

Globalisation and technology are key shapers of legal education, finds IBA and LSGL research

A report published today cites internationalisation and technological disruption as the key trends and opportunities in the field of global legal education, as well as the root of many challenges facing legal educators. The research for the report, entitled Developing a Blueprint for Global Legal Education, was undertaken by the International Bar Association (IBA) and the Law Schools Global League (LSGL), with coordination by IE Law School.

Released on Nov 11, 2020

Poland: IBAHRI calls for charges against lawyer Roman Giertych to be dropped

The detention and politically motivated prosecution of prominent Polish lawyer Roman Giertych, is of great concern to the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI). Mr Giertych, who has been involved in a series of high-profile cases against Poland’s governing Law and Justice Party, was detained on 15 October 2020 under accusations of money laundering.

Released on Nov 10, 2020

Bangladesh: Humanitarian lawyer Ishrat Hasan wins the 2020 IBA Pro Bono Award

The recipient of the International Bar Association (IBA) Pro Bono Award for 2020 has been named as humanitarian lawyer Ishrat Hasan for her dedication to removing barriers of access to justice, specifically for the poor, disadvantaged and marginalized communities in Bangladesh, as well as her legal battles in relation to the rights of women and children.

Released on Nov 9, 2020

Daye Gang wins 2020 IBA Outstanding Young Lawyer Award

The 2020 International Bar Association (IBA) Annual Outstanding Young Lawyer Award recipient has been named as Daye Gang for her work, dedication and efforts in the emerging field of restorative justice for victims of sexual and family violence, as well as her pursuit for accountability of perpetrators of crimes committed in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).

Released on Nov 9, 2020

Philippines: human rights lawyer Neri Javier Colmenares wins the 2020 IBA Human Rights Award

The 2020 International Bar Association (IBA) Award for Outstanding Contribution to Human Rights has been bestowed upon Neri Javier Colmenares, a renowned human rights lawyer and activist in the Philippines. He receives the accolade in respect of his extensive contribution to human rights, and his continuing determination and advocacy, in the face of great adversity.

Released on Nov 9, 2020

John Kerry gives frank and authoritative interview on eve of US Presidential elections

As the citizens of the United States head to the polls, John Kerry, a former Democratic Nominee for the US Presidency and Former United States Secretary of State, has participated in a wide-ranging and frank interview with Dr Mark Ellis, Executive Director of the International Bar Association (IBA).

Released on Nov 3, 2020

Ban Ki-moon opens IBA 2020 - Virtually Together Conference

Ban Ki-moon opened the IBA 2020 – Virtually Together Conference on Monday 2 November with a pre-recorded address videoed especially for the 10,000 delegates attending this year’s International Bar Association (IBA) Annual Conference, which, for the first time in its history, is taking place solely online due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Released on Nov 2, 2020

Belarus: harassment and intimidation of lawyers is of great concern and must end, says IBAHRI

The International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) has expressed grave concern over ongoing attacks and intimidation tactics deployed against lawyers in Belarus for carrying out their professional roles.

Released on Oct 29, 2020

Nigeria: IBA and IBAHRI call on President Buhari to investigate deaths and violence amid security forces crackdown

The International Bar Association (IBA) and the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) call on the Government of Nigeria, under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, to establish an immediate independent investigation into the alleged killings by security forces of protestors calling for good governance and an end to police brutality in Nigeria.

Released on Oct 26, 2020

IBAHRI urges release of lawyers Ilya Salei and Maxim Znak in Belarus

As countries denounce the secret inauguration and presidency of Belarus’ Alexander Lukashenko amid protests against the disputed 9 August 2020 presidential election results, the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) expresses deep concern over the continued detention of lawyers Ilya Salei and Maxim Znak and calls for their immediate release.

Released on Oct 20, 2020

IBAHRI condemns Nagorno-Karabakh conflict civilian attacks

The International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) strongly condemns the indiscriminate attacks perpetrated with heavy artillery and airborne missiles on the densely populated Nagorno-Karabakh area that has resulted in the death and injuring of hundreds of civilians. The IBAHRI calls for the Armenian and Azerbaijani forces in the contested region to observe the recently brokered ceasefire.

Released on Oct 14, 2020

IBAHRI marks World Day against the Death Penalty with call for universal abolition

The IBAHRI opposes and condemns the death penalty without exception. We have actively called for its abolition since our 2008 Resolution on the Abolition of the Death Penalty. Capital punishment is a barbaric practice that does not serve justice in any manner. We call on states to abolish the death penalty without delay in line with the growing global trend towards abolition

Released on Oct 9, 2020

Hina Jilani announced as 2020 Stockholm Human Rights Award laureate

Pioneering lawyer, pro-democracy campaigner and avid civil rights activist Hina Jilani was announced today as the recipient of the 2020 Stockholm Human Rights Award – bestowed annually by the Swedish Bar Association, the International Bar Association (IBA) and the International Legal Assistance Consortium (ILAC)

Released on Oct 7, 2020