News releases
IBA Honorary Life Membership awarded to Kimitoshi Yabuki
Kimitoshi Yabuki has been awarded the IBA Honorary Life Membership for his long-standing commitment to the Association.
Released on Jul 3, 2026
IBA Honorary Life Membership awarded to Michael Clancy
Michael Clancy has been awarded an International Bar Association (IBA) Honorary Life Membership for his continued dedication to the organisation.
Released on Jul 3, 2026
Catherine Amirfar wins 2026 IBA Outstanding International Woman Lawyer Award
Catherine Amirfar is announced as the winner of the 2026 International Bar Association (IBA) Outstanding International Woman Lawyer Award. The Award recognises women who have shown exceptional professional excellence and have made a significant contribution to the advancement of women...
Released on Jul 2, 2026
IBAHRI warns against reported Israeli plans to expand control in Gaza and calls for an end to continued settlement expansion across the Occupied Palestinian Territory
Human rights lawyers urge international action as reported plans for expanded military control and population transfers by the Israeli state raise concerns about forcible displacement, annexation and violations of international humanitarian law.
Released on Jul 2, 2026
International Bar Association report finds women now form the majority of Canada’s legal profession, but barriers to equality persist
A new report by the IBA into gender parity in Canada’s legal profession has found that women comprise a slight majority, accounting for 53 per cent of lawyers overall and 51 per cent of senior lawyers and partners among participating organisations.
Released on Jun 30, 2026
IBAHRI and APT publish ‘Toolkit for Defence Lawyers: Applying the Méndez Principles in Legal Practice’
On United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture on 26 June, the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) and the Association for the Prevention of Torture (APT) published a Toolkit for Defence Lawyers: Applying the Méndez Principles…
Released on Jun 26, 2026
Former President of the Law Society of Ireland Geraldine Clarke urges young women lawyers to ‘not be daunted by anything’ in latest Inspirational legal women podcast
The International Bar Association (IBA) has released the fourth episode of the second series of its Inspirational legal women podcast. This episode features Geraldine Clarke, former President of the Law Society of Ireland, Consultant at Gleeson McGrath Baldwin Solicitors and…
Released on Jun 25, 2026
Australia’s Bond University team wins 2026 IBA ICC Moot Court Competition in The Hague
Australia’s Bond University has won the 13th International Bar Association (IBA) International Criminal Court (ICC) Moot Court Competition following a week of intense advocacy and legal argument before international criminal law experts. The annual competition, hosted in The Hague, is…
Released on Jun 25, 2026
IBAHRI urges Cambodia’s Supreme Court to uphold international standards on media freedom in appeal case
The IBAHRI has filed an amicus curiae brief before the Supreme Court of Cambodia, urging the Court to consider international and regional human rights standards on freedom of expression and media freedom in the context of criminal sanctions on journalists.
Released on Jun 18, 2026
Israel: IBAHRI condemns law establishing a special military tribunal empowered to impose death penalty
The International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) expresses grave concern regarding a law passed by the Israeli government establishing a special military tribunal – with the power to impose the death penalty – to prosecute those suspected of participating in…
Released on Jun 17, 2026
UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights: 15 years on
For over a decade, the IBA has actively promoted the implementation of the UNGPs within legal practice by supporting practitioners, law firms and bar associations to integrate the UNGPs into their work.
Released on Jun 16, 2026
IBA condemns Russia’s escalating and systematic attacks on Ukraine’s civilians and civilian infrastructure
The International Bar Association (IBA), the global voice of the legal profession, condemns Russia’s intensified attacks against Ukraine, including the deliberate and repeated targeting of civilians and civilian objects. Last night’s strike on the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra constitutes an attack on…
Released on Jun 15, 2026
IBAHRI open letter to bar associations in Asia on the KL Guidelines
IBAHRI bringing attention to the Regional Guidelines for Lawyers Representing Individuals Facing the Death Penalty and Execution in Asia (the KL Guidelines).
Released on Jun 12, 2026
IBA launches its Artificial Intelligence Institute to advance responsible AI governance and inclusive international cooperation
The International Bar Association’s (IBA) Artificial Intelligence Institute (IBA AI Institute) is a new initiative dedicated to influencing and promoting the development of responsible artificial intelligence (AI) governance through international cooperation and interdisciplinary expertise in alignment with the rule of law...
Released on Jun 8, 2026
UN Special Rapporteurs press Nigeria to address alleged human rights violations in the Middle Belt
The offices of several United Nations Special Rapporteurs have formally contacted the Government of Nigeria over allegations of serious human rights violations in the country’s Middle Belt region, marking a significant escalation in international scrutiny of the ongoing violence.
Released on May 28, 2026
IBA global employment report highlights AI, skills shortages and employee wellbeing as defining workplace challenges
The International Bar Association (IBA) Global Employment Institute (GEI) has published its 14th Annual Global Report, identifying the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) and digitalisation, persistent skills shortages and employee wellbeing as the key issues shaping employment law and human resources (HR)...
Released on May 27, 2026
El IBAHRI publica el informe “La democracia de Guatemala en una encrucijada: desafíos y oportunidades en los procesos de selección judicial de 2026
El Instituto de Derechos Humanos de la Asociación Internacional de Abogados (International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute u IBAHRI, por sus siglas en inglés) acoge con satisfacción la toma de posesión del nuevo Fiscal General de la República de Guatemala y Jefe del Ministerio Público…
Released on May 26, 2026
Danish Senior Partner Lise Lotte Hjerrild talks to the IBA for its Inspirational legal women podcast
Leading Danish M&A and corporate governance lawyer, Lise Lotte Hjerrild, is the third guest of the second series of the International Bar Association’s (IBA) Inspirational legal women podcast. In conversation with Sara Carnegie, Director of the IBA Legal Policy & Research Unit (LPRU), Hjerrild reflects…
Released on May 13, 2026
Millicent Walthew named 2026 recipient of the International Bar Association’s David W Rivkin Fellowship
The International Bar Association (IBA) has named Millicent Walthew as the 2026 recipient of the David W Rivkin Fellowship, an award established in honour of former IBA President David W Rivkin, who served from 2015 to 2016. The Fellowship recognises exceptional promise…
Released on May 11, 2026
Ukraine: IBA President Claudio Visco congratulates Dr Mark Ellis on distinguished honour
It is with great pride that I write to share congratulations to Dr Mark Ellis on the significant honour recently conferred upon him in recognition, by the President of Ukraine, of his outstanding contribution to international law and justice. Mark was presented with the Award…
Released on May 7, 2026
IBAHRI publishes report, ‘Guatemala’s Democracy at a Crossroads: Challenges and Opportunities in the 2026 Judicial Selection Processes’
As three key judicial selection processes unfold in Guatemala, the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) has published the final report of its monitoring mission, which assesses the integrity, transparency and independence of the country’s ongoing judicial selection processes.
Released on May 4, 2026
IBAHRI renews calls for protection of journalists and accountability for crimes against them
On United Nations World Press Freedom Day, marked annually on 3 May, the International Bar Association's Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) reiterates its grave concern over the global erosion of press freedom, underscoring the essential role of a free and independent press...
Released on May 3, 2026
IBAHRI condemns Israel’s large-scale strikes on Lebanon and calls for accountability and lasting peace
The International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) has expressed grave concern over alleged violations of international law arising from the recent escalation of hostilities in Lebanon, while cautiously noting that diplomatic developments following high-level discussions held at the White House in the...
Released on Apr 29, 2026
IBAHRI calls for urgent action as the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office closes its international humanitarian law unit
The International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) calls upon the government of the United Kingdom to reconsider its decision to close the unit within the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) that seeks to identify the risk of atrocity crimes.
Released on Apr 29, 2026
IBAHRI warns the global rollback of women and girls’ rights demands urgent attention
The International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing and defending the fundamental rights of women and girls around the world as mounting evidence points to a concerning reversal of progress in multiple regions. The last year has seen…
Released on Apr 21, 2026
IBA War Crimes Committee Conference 2026 - Welcome remarks from IBA President, Claudio Visco
On behalf of International Bar Association, it is an honour to join you here in The Hague on the occasion of the IBA War Crimes Committee’s annual conference, this year focused on the theme ‘Masters of war’. I would like to thank the conference co-chairs…
Released on Apr 18, 2026
Türkiye: IBAHRI and partners form the Independent Legal Mission on the Peace Process
The International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) together with other legal and human rights organisations has formed an Independent International Legal Mission on the Peace Process in Türkiye (the Mission). Under the auspices of five legal organisations including IBAHRI, the Mission aims…
Released on Apr 15, 2026
Inspirational legal women podcast series: IBA launches new episode featuring leading French employment lawyer Pascale Lagesse
The International Bar Association (IBA) has released the second episode of its Inspirational legal women podcast Series 2, featuring prominent French employment lawyer Pascale Lagesse. In conversation with Sara Carnegie, Director of Legal Projects at the IBA’s Legal Policy & Research Unit (LPRU)…
Released on Apr 10, 2026
IBAHRI at the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council: takeaways
With the conclusion of the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC61), held from 23 February to 31 March 2026, the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) reflects on the key discussions and outcomes of the session, the side events held…
Released on Apr 2, 2026
IBA urges full cooperation with the International Criminal Court at UN Human Rights Council in Geneva
At a side event in the margins of the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), the President of the International Bar Association (IBA), Claudio Visco, and IBA Executive Director, Dr Mark Ellis, called for States Parties’ full and effective cooperation with the International Criminal Court (ICC)...
Released on Apr 2, 2026