UNHRC Resolution on the independence of the judiciary, jurors and assessors, and the independence of lawyers

In the Resolution, the Council condemns the: “the increasingly frequent attacks on the independence of judges, lawyers, prosecutors and court officials, in particular threats, intimidation and interference in the discharge of their professional functions”.

Morever, the Council calls upon all States to “guarantee the independence of judges and lawyers and the objectivity and impartiality of prosecutors, as well as their ability to perform their functions accordingly, including by taking effective legislative, law enforcement and other appropriate measures that will enable them to carry out their professional functions without interference, harassment, threats or intimidation of any kind”.

The Council also noted the “the endorsement by bar associations, law societies, and national and international lawyers’ organizations worldwide of a call for action in support of the Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers, recognizing the vital role that lawyers and the legal profession can play in upholding the rule of law and in promoting and protecting human rights, on the occasion of the thirtieth anniversary of the adoption of the Basic Principles”.

Lawyers for Lawyers is pleased that the Council has adopted the Resolution on the independence of the judiciary, jurors and assessors, and the independence of lawyers. Earlier this month, Lawyers for Lawyers cosigned a joint call for action in support of the UN Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers.