The unexpected pandemic meant a period of uncertainty and as these difficult times are ending, they should be reassessed by their impact on the Rule of Law. Rights and liberties have experienced unprecedented restrictions, a right to a fair trial, a right to a lawyer and access to court were not left outside of the impact, although use of technologies also could be used to improve access to justice.

Other recent developments in the world also cannot be disregarded. A crackdown and repressions on lawyers in Afghanistan, Belarus and other countries illustrate that a profession of lawyer is the last line of defense of the Rule of Law. Moreover, the migration crisis showed that access to lawyer and legal aid should be preserved in all times.

This session will be recorded.