On June 20th, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers, Mr. Diego García-Sayán presented his report to the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. In his report, the Special Rapporteur addressed the importance of protecting persons who practice law, since the free exercise of the legal profession is an indispensable element of the judicial guarantees that ensure a fair trial and the protection of human rights. Existing international and regional standards aim to protect the legal profession. But the report expresses concern about the global increase in practices that undermine, limit, restrict and hinder the practice of law. This is especially true for lawyers whose activities are focused on the fight against corruption, the defense of human rights or the protection of groups in vulnerable situations. In his report, the Special Rapporteur identifies trends and patterns of interference in and attacks on the legal profession. The report stresses that persons who practice law play a fundamental role in the consolidation of the rule of law and the protection of human rights. States have a duty to guarantee that these persons can exercise their profession without undue restrictions
Please join us Thursday, September 8th from 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm (a reception will follow) for a panel discussion to reflect on these challenges faced by the legal profession worldwide. The Special Rapporteur will outline recommendations to member states of the United Nations on how to protect persons practicing law.
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