Op 21 september 2018, Lawyers for Lawyers delivered an oral statement during the 39th Session of the UN Human Rights Council. During this session, the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Outcome Report of the Russian Federation was adopted. Lawyers for Lawyers had already submitted a NGO-submission for the UPR-session of the Russian Federation.
Lees de volledige verklaring hier:
Mr President,
Lawyers for Lawyers welcomes the decision of the Russian Federation to accept the recommendation relating to the investigation of attacks and threats against lawyers, made at its 3rdUPR.We call on the Russian Federation to effectively implement this recommendation without delay.
Protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms requires effective access to legal services provided by an independent legal profession. Fundamental to improving human rights for the people in the Russian Federation is a justice system that provides due process for rights holders and allows lawyers to work independently without fear of harassment or intimidation.
According to our information, lawyers in the Russian Federation working on sensitive cases are sometimes subjected to attempts by investigative authorities to harass and disrupt their work. Lawyers face threats, intimidation and (physical) attacks[4]in connection with their legitimate activities as lawyers.
Authorities in these cases have sometimes failed to carry out prompt and thorough investigations into the threats and attacks. Impunity of these acts could have a “chilling effect”, resulting in lawyers refusing to represent clients in sensitive cases, out of fear of becoming the target of harassment. This severely compromises the universal right to effective legal representation and access to justice for all.
We therefore urge the Russian Federation to take immediate measures to prevent any threats and attacks against lawyers effectively, publicly condemn them at all levels and promptly and thoroughly investigate them to end impunity.
Click here for a PDF- version of the statement. A video of the statement can be viewed here:
