Side-event at the UN 56th Session of the Human Rights Council, The role of judges, prosecutors and lawyers in safeguarding democracies
25 June 2023
14:00 – 15:00 CEST
This side-event (click here for flyer) will address the rise of an authoritarian political culture that affects the independence of legal professionals and their ability to play their role in democratic systems, a common phenomenon in various countries. Such trend is highlighted in “Safeguarding judicial Independence in the face of contemporary challenges to Democracy”, the latest thematic report by the UN Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers, Margaret Satterthwaite.
After presenting her report at the 56th session of the Human Rights Council, SR Satterthwaite will comment on it during this side event. Panelists will then discuss challenges and strategies identified from concrete national or regional situations, illustrating patterns and trends, as well as opportunities for action.
Panelists are Margaret Satterthwaite, UN Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers,
Mark Ellis, Executive Director of the International Bar Association, Pierre Zappelli, UN Representative, International Association of Judges, the Vice-President of the Association of Tunisian Magistrates and Úrsula Indacochea, Due Process of Law Foundation.
Santiago Cantón, the International Committee of Jurists will moderate the event.
