Why
Lawyers at risk
In many places all around the world lawyers are being hindered in their work. Because they take on politically sensitive cases, for example. Or because they are identified with their clients who speak out against the local government.
Hindrance comes in many forms. Lawyers can be intimidated, threatened or detained. In some countries lawyers are even murdered. These lawyers have to pay a high personal price for their battle for the rights of others.
Defending lawyers
Lawyers for Lawyers supports lawyers who are threatened and hindered in exercising their work. By generating international attention and public awareness for example. But we also provide them with moral and legal support and lobby for legislation to protect lawyers. We empower lawyers to defend themselves and to strengthen the independent status of the legal profession in their own country.
Because of these various efforts by us and others, retaliations against lawyers are stopped or alleviated. Lawyers are being released from custody and prison sentences are converted into house arrest. Sometimes travel bans are lifted and various disciplinary procedures by bar associations have been put to an end.