Lawyers for Lawyers and the Amsterdam Bar Association would like to cordially invite you to join the seminar ‘Law as an Instrument for Change: Advancing LGBTQI+ Rights in Court and Beyond’ in theatre de Rode Hoed in Amsterdam on Thursday, 16 May 2024, from 16:00 – 17:30, with drinks after until 19:00 CEST.
This seminar will delve into the specific challenges experienced by both lawyers and their LGBTQI+ clients as they navigate the legal system. The keynote speaker will offer a global perspective on access to justice for LGBTQI+ individuals and how the law can be a powerful tool for progress. Following this, the panel will explore the crucial role courts and lawyers play in advancing LGBTQI+ rights. They will also delve into the specific challenges faced by LGBTQI+ clients seeking legal representation and what role lawyers play. For a global perspective, a lawyer from the Netherlands will discuss the upcoming decision by the Hoge Raad on same-sex marriage in Aruba/Curaçao, highlighting the potential impact this ruling can have on LGBTQI+ rights. Finally, the panel will draw on their real-world experiences to share the most acute challenges lawyers encounter when representing LGBTQI+ clients.
To conclude this event, we will formally launch the Lawyers for Lawyers Access to Justice Campaign. This launch will be accompanied by the presentation of preliminary findings from our research, conducted with lawyers in 12 countries. This research sheds light on the challenges faced by lawyers representing LGBTQI+ clients.
Program
15.30-16.00: Walk-in
16.00-16.05: Welcome and opening by The Amsterdam Bar Association
16.05-16.20: Keynote Speech by Boris Dittrich, Senator in the Dutch Parliament, and former Human Rights Watch LGBT Advocacy Director
16.20-17.20: Panel Discussion & Q&A with
- Shibolo Awali Sean (Lawyer and executive Director of TRIUMPH Uganda);
- Tsiala Ratiani (Lawyer at Women`s Initiatives Supporting Group – Georgia), and;
- David den Blaauwen (Lawyer at NautaDutilh from the Netherlands)
17.20-17.30: Presentation and Launch of Access to Justice Campaign by Lawyers for Lawyers
17.30-19.00: Drinks
• The event will be held in English.
• Dutch lawyers can earn one ‘PO punt’ by physically attending the event in de Rode Hoed.
• Post-event drinks will be held directly after the close of the event.
Click here to register for the event.
