Iran and Myanmar L4L actively engaged in consultation at HRC
On 17 March, L4L and Lawyers’ Rights Watch Canada (LRWC) delivered oral statements at the 25th session of the Human Rights Council, this time with respect to Iran and Myanmar. Since L4L was granted ECOSOC Consultative Status in July 2013, it has become even more active in participating in the consultation process.
Iran
With respect to Iran, L4L and LRWC welcomed the report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran and share all concerns raised. These include government action targeting lawyers and the erosion of the independence of the legal profession. Two days before the statement was delivered, they also asked attention for these issues in a submission for the Universal Periodic Review of Iran, which will take place in October 2014.
The organisations urge the immediate release of all lawyers detained, charged or sentenced because of their legitimate performance of professional functions. Furthermore, they call upon the authorities to amend the draft Bill on Formal Attorneyship which, in its current form, could further impede the independent functioning of the legal profession. Please see the full statement here and the submission for the UPR here.
Myanmar
With respect to Myanmar, the organisations are pleased to learn that authorities have decreased their obstruction of and interference in legal processes since 2011. However, despite improvements, major challenges remain. In their work on cases, lawyers are often denied prompt access to clients, and court officials fail to provide them with access to case information. There is widespread and systematic corruption and abusive legal action by authorities against lawyers.
Therefore, the organisations support recommendations made by the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, to reform laws on contempt of court, but also to amend the Bar Council Act “to transform the Bar Council into a self-governing professional association to defend the integrity and independence of the profession and to maintain professional standards.” Please see the full statement here.