On the occasion of the double anniversary of the United Nations Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers and the International Bar Association (IBA) Standards for the Independence of the Legal Profession, the IBA’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) wishes to express its support for the independent lawyers worldwide who play such a pivotal role in upholding the rule of law, and promoting and protecting human rights.
The independence of the legal profession is an absolute guarantee and a prerequisite for rule of law and democracy. States have the obligation to protect lawyers from any interference, and must take positive and proactive measures to safeguard them from any sort of attacks or harassment.
Lawyers’ protection is at the core of the mandate of any bar association. The IBAHRI urges all independent lawyers’ organisations and bar associations to recall their vital role and denounce any abuse of power by state authorities that limits access to justice.
Marking the 30th anniversaries of the UN Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers and the IBA Standards for the Independence of the Legal Profession, the IBAHRI, together with its partner organisations – Lawyers' Rights Watch Canada, Lawyers for Lawyers, Bar Human Rights Committee of England and Wales, International Commission of Jurists, and Human Rights House Foundation – calls on the international community to denounce the growing attacks on independent lawyers worldwide and support their role in upholding free and democratic societies.