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The IBA’s response to the situation in Ukraine
News releases
IBAHRI condemns Alexei Navalny attack and calls for an open, fair and independent investigation
The International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) is deeply concerned by the news of the probable poisoning of lawyer, prominent anti-corruption activist and outspoken critic of President Vladimir Putin and the Russian Federation State, Alexei Navalny. The IBAHRI calls for an open, impartial and independent investigation into the situation…
Released on Aug 25, 2020
IBAHRI condemns widespread police brutality and detainee torture in Belarus
The International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) condemns the police brutality and documented torture of detainees in the Republic of Belarus following the controversial 9 August 2020 presidential election result that extended the 26-year rule of the incumbent Alexander Lukashenko. The European Union has rejected the official results, condemning the election as ‘neither free nor fair’. The IBAHRI calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all of the remaining individuals...
Released on Aug 20, 2020
Zimbabwe: IBA and IBAHRI voice concerns over Hopewell Chin’ono arrest and harassment of Beatrice Mtetwa
The International Bar Association and the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) are concerned by the recent arrest of prominent Zimbabwean investigative journalist Hopewell Chin’ono, following the publication of corruption allegations against Zimbabwe’s ruling elite. In a series of documents....
Released on Aug 18, 2020
IBA and IBAHRI condemn Zimbabwe court’s barring of Beatrice Mtetwa from defending Hopewell Chin’ono
The International Bar Association and the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) condemn Harare Magistrate Ngoni Nduna’s decision to hold prominent Zimbabwean human rights lawyer Beatrice Mtetwa in contempt of court and to bar her from representing detained investigative journalist and government critic Hopewell Chin’ono.
Released on Aug 18, 2020
IBAHRI condemns LGBTQI+ rights crackdown in Poland
The International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) urges the Republic of Poland to ensure freedom of expression for supporters of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex (LGBTQI+) persons’ rights. The IBAHRI also calls for an immediate end to the homophobic rhetoric currently espoused by Polish leaders, including President Andrzej Duda, who, in a campaign speech, declared the promotion of LGBT rights an ‘ideology’ more dangerous than communism.
Released on Aug 14, 2020
Belarus – IBAHRI condemns detention of media and use of force against protesters following elections
The International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) condemns the detention and use of force against peaceful protesters and journalists in the Republic of Belarus, following the announcement of the initial results of the presidential elections on 9 August 2020. According to the Central Election Commission of Belarus, the elections results indicate that incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won with 80.23 per cent of votes. Several organisations, including…
Released on Aug 13, 2020
IBAHRI adds support to lawyers Ebru Timtik’s and Aytaç Ünsal’s call for fair trials and the administration of justice in Turkey
The International Bar Association's Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) has signed a joint statement alongside the Bar Human Rights Committee of England & Wales, the International Association of Lawyers (UIA), The Law Society of England and Wales and Lawyers for Lawyers expressing concern for the safety of Turkish lawyers Ebru Timtik and Aytaç Ünsal
Released on Aug 12, 2020
IBA’s first vlogging competition winners announced
The International Bar Association (IBA) has announced Carla Frade de Paula Castro from Brazil and Shola Temitope Famuyiwa from Nigeria as the winners of its first ever vlogging competition.
Released on Aug 10, 2020
IBAHRI potepia zamiar polskiego rzadu wypowiedzenia konwencji chroniacej kobiety przed przemoca
International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (Instytut Praw Czlowieka Miedzynarodowego Stowarzyszenia Prawników) (IBAHRI) potepia zamiar polskiego rzadu wypowiedzenia Konwencji Stambulskiej – przelomowej europejskiej konwencji bedacej pierwszym na swiecie prawnie wiazacym dokumentem chroniacym kobiety i dziewczynki przed przemoca, w tym gwaltem. Przedmiotem traktatu sa explicite...
Released on Aug 10, 2020
IBAHRI condemns Poland’s planned withdrawal from treaty protecting women from violence
The International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) condemns the Polish government’s 25 July 2020 decision to withdraw from the Istanbul Convention – a landmark European treaty that is the world’s first binding legal instrument to prevent and address violence against women and girls, including rape.
Released on Aug 6, 2020
Az IBA és az IBAHRI sajnálatosnak tartja Magyarország és Lengyelország felelosségre vonásának hiányát az EU helyreállítási tervé
Az International Bar Association (Nemzetközi Ügyvédi Kamara (IBA)) és az International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (Nemzetközi Ügyvédi Kamara Emberi Jogi Intézete (IBAHRI)) sajnálatát fejezi, ki, hogy Magyarországot és Lengyelországot nem vonták felelosségre az EU helyreállítási tervével kapcsolatban, az Európai Unió azon aggályai ellenére, hogy a két ország nem tartja magát a jogállamisághoz és többszörösen megsérti az emberi jogokat. A két ország is…
Released on Aug 3, 2020
IBA i IBAHRI wyrazaja ubolewanie z powodu niepociagniecia Polski i Wegier do odpowiedzialnosci w ramach unijnego planu odbudowy
International Bar Association (Miedzynarodowe Stowarzyszenie Prawników) (IBA) oraz International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (Instytut Praw Czlowieka Miedzynarodowego Stowarzyszenia Prawników) (IBAHRI) wyrazaja ubolewanie, ze pomimo obaw Unii Europejskiej zwiazanych z...
Released on Aug 3, 2020
IBA and IBAHRI regret lack of accountability for Hungary and Poland in EU recovery deal
The International Bar Association (IBA) and the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) regret that, despite European Union concern over the failure of Hungary and Poland to adhere to the rule of law and numerous human rights violations, the two countries have not been held accountable with regard to the EU recovery deal. The two nations are set to benefit from a EUR 750 billion recovery fund agreed by EU leaders to...
Released on Jul 31, 2020
IBAHRI wzywa Polske do wycofania zarzutów wobec profesora prawa Wojciecha Sadurskiego
International Bar Association's Human Rights Institute - IBAHRI (Instytut Praw Czlowieka Miedzynarodowego Stowarzyszenia Prawników) potepia dzialania rzadu Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej podjete wobec profesora prawa Wojciecha Sadurskiego i wzywa do wycofania zarzutów…
Released on Jul 27, 2020
IBAHRI calls on Poland to drop charges against law professor Wojciech Sadurski
The International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) condemns the prosecution of law professor Wojciech Sadurski by the Republic of Poland’s Government, and calls for charges to be dropped.
Released on Jul 27, 2020
Game of Stones – an op-ed on contested historical legacies in public spaces published by Gazette
The Law Society Gazette has published a co-authored opinion piece on contested historical legacies in public spaces by International Bar Association (IBA) Executive Director Mark Ellis and Institute for Historical Justice and Reconciliation(IHJR) Director, Timothy W Ryback.
Released on Jul 20, 2020
IBAHRI urges Belarus to ensure freedom of expression and conduct fair and free elections
The International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) urges the President of the Republic of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, and the country’s authorities, to take necessary measures to respect the right to freedom of expression and to hold safe, free and fair elections in Belarus. The large number of arrests and administrative detentions of journalists and protestors attending mass events ahead of elections is…
Released on Jul 15, 2020
IBAHRI joins call to end freedom of expression restrictions in China
The International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) has joined several non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in signing a statement condemning restrictions on freedom of expression in China, particularly in relation to citizen journalists, human rights advocates and lawyers.
Released on Jul 14, 2020
IBAHRI marks 30th anniversary of UN Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers
The International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) has launched a number of initiatives to celebrate and support the 30th anniversary of the United Nations Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers (UN Basic Principles) and the IBA Standards for the Independence of the Legal Profession (IBA Standards).
Released on Jul 13, 2020
IBA embarks on first phase of global initiative on mental wellbeing in the legal profession
The International Bar Association (IBA) has embarked on a global project aimed at addressing the mental wellbeing of legal professionals as Covid-19 exacerbates tensions in professional and personal lives. The key initial phase of the project consists of two global surveys – one for individual lawyers, the other for law firms and other legal institutions, including bar associations, law societies and in-house legal departments.
Released on Jul 10, 2020
Statement from Lord Neuberger and Amal Clooney on the UK global human rights sanctions regime
On 6 July 2020, Amal Clooney, a barrister at Doughty Street Chambers and Deputy Chair of the High Level Panel of Legal Experts on Media Freedom, released a joint statement with Panel Chair, Lord Neuberger of Abbotsbury, in response to the implementation of the United Kingdom’s global human rights sanctions regime.
Released on Jul 8, 2020
IBA urges UN Member States to recognise, uphold and protect the role of lawyers
As the 44th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council begins, coinciding with the 30th Anniversary of the United Nations Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers (‘UN Basic Principles’), the International Bar Association urges Member States to support the UN Basic Principles and the role of the legal profession in upholding the rule of law, and promoting and protecting human rights.
Released on Jul 8, 2020
China’s National Security Law for Hong Kong contrary to rule of law
China’s imposed National Security Law for Hong Kong SAR is being used to curtail the democratic freedoms of the semi-autonomous territory. The lack of consultation is objectionable.
Released on Jun 30, 2020
IBAHRI calls for continuing commitment to equality for LGBTQI+ communities
Reflecting on the celebration of Pride across the world, the IBAHRI acknowledges the work still to be done to ensure the protection of LGBTQI+ persons.
Released on Jun 30, 2020
A new report highlights the need for state cooperation with international courts
New report from the ICC & ICL Programme calls for greater attention to be paid to the human rights of persons convicted by international courts.
Released on Jun 29, 2020
Contested historical legacies in public spaces addressed in new analysis by global experts
Over a period of three years, a group of global experts – convened by the Institute for Historical Justice and Reconciliation (IHJR), the International Bar Association (IBA), and the Salzburg Global Seminar – has been preparing a volume of eight in-depth case studies on contested legacies in public spaces. The analysis addresses the social, political and legal dynamics in facilitating or complicating the resolution of disputes over contested historical legacies in municipal areas.
Released on Jun 29, 2020
IBAHRI signs open letter condemning imposition of national security law in Hong Kong
The International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBHARI) has joined 85 other organisations in signing an open letter expressing grave concern about the decision of China’s National People’s Congress to impose national security legislation on Hong Kong.
Released on Jun 24, 2020
IBAHRI condemns India’s attempt to re-define demographic outlook of Kashmir
The International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) condemns the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Adaptation of State Laws) Order 2020 (the ‘Order’) issued by the Government of India, which amends legislation and repeals 29 laws that previously granted the rights of employment, land acquisition and political representation exclusively to the indigenous population of Jammu and Kashmir.
Released on Jun 18, 2020
IBAHRI condemns Samoan Government’s proposed legislation as a disruption of the rule of law
In an open letter to His Excellency Tuilaepa Aiono Sailele Malielegaoi, Prime of Minister of Samoa, the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) has urged the Samoan Government to reconsider proposed legislation that would alter the court system and subsequently undermine the rule of law and judicial independence in the country.
Released on Jun 18, 2020
IBA continues work to combat inappropriate behaviour in workplaces, one year on from Us Too?
On the first anniversary of the publication of its landmark report, Us Too? Bullying and Sexual Harassment in the Legal Profession and the ensuing global campaign, the International Bar Association (IBA) has announced the next phase of work. Reaffirming its commitment to addressing inappropriate behaviour, the IBA will continue to build on insight gained from the global campaign and the momentum around efforts to address these issues.
Released on Jun 18, 2020