EMIS Professional Publishing Ltd. 2005

HUMAN RIGHTS & UK PRACTICE

15 April 2005

Human Rights & UKP 6.1(14)

LENGTH: 964 words

TOPIC: HUMAN RIGHTS

TITLE: The Human Rights Institute of the IBA

AUTHOR: Ramon Mullerat, OBEEx co-chair of the Human Rights Institute

TEXT:
The HRI and Its Objectives

In 1995, the IBA established the Human Rights Institute (HRI), under the Honorary Presidency of Nelson Mandela. The HRI is now a leading voice in the promotion of the rule of law worldwide.

The objectives of the HRI are the promotion, protection and enforcement of human rights under a just rule of law; the promotion and protection of the independence of the judiciary and the legal profession worldwide; the worldwide adoption and implementation of standards and instruments regarding human rights accepted and enacted by the community of nations; and the acquisition and dissemination of information concerning issues related to human rights, judicial independence and the rule of law.

The IBA believes absolutely in the fundamental right of the world's citizens to have disputes heard and determined by an independent judiciary, and for judges and lawyers to practise freely and without interference.The Activities

The HRI undertakes fact-finding missions to assess the independence of the judiciary and the legal profession; sends trial observers to trials of judges or lawyers; intervenes by making representations to authorities worldwide; organises human rights training for lawyers and judges; provides long-term technical assistance to bar associations and law societies; liaises closely with international and regional human rights organisations; and produces newsletters and other publications.

One of the recent achievements has been the publication by the IBA, together with the United Nations, of a Manual in the Administration of Justice which is the core material used by both organisations.

The HRI's activities have increased substantially in the last years for several reasons. First, 50 years after the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights, human rights has become the political slogan of our time and today society is ever more conscious of the fundamental rights and more aware of their violations. Second, the need for human rights protection and promotion has incessantly grown, showing how inspired were its founders in creating the HRI. Third, the IBA officers, Executive Director and members in general, as well as the HRI co-chairs, Council members, Director and staff, have devoted their full attention and substantial human and financial efforts to the HRI. Fourth, as a consequence of the above, the HRI has acquired an IBA internal (often styled 'the jewel of the Crown') and a great reputation worldwide.Recent Projects

The HRI carries out capacity building projects in countries around the world. Some recent projects include: Afghanistan, Malawi, Mozambique, Swaziland and Zimbabwe.Afghanistan

Legal Specialist working in Kabul to create a bar, develop necessary by-laws, establish and equip an office, develop relevant procedures and standards for bar exams, implement a CLE programme and assist in developing international and regional links.Malawi

Legal Specialist working with the Law Society of Malawi to strengthen its physical infrastructure, improve legal regulation, organise and develop continuing legal education programmes, and strengthen its capacity to undertake legal advocacy work.Mozambique

Legal Specialist will shortly begin similar work with the Mozambique Law Society.Swaziland

Legal Specialist working to develop the Law Society of Swaziland. International team reviewed draft constitution and key legislation and lobbies for recommendations to be implemented.Zimbabwe

The HRI has assisted the Law Society of Zimbabwe with improving legal regulation, the organisation and development of continuing legal education programmes and strengthening its capacity to promote the rule of law. An aggressive advocacy campaign has been established to raise awareness of Zimbabwean rule of law issues in the regional and global media.Iraq

Two year training programme for lawyers, judges and prosecutors:* training in international humanitarian law;* training in international human rights law;* development of continuing legal education programme for the Iraqi Bar Association.Combating Torture

A series of workshops worldwide for lawyers, judges and prosecutors for combating torture within the judicial sector.Terrorism Task Force

A series of seminars on the report of the IBA's Task Force on International Terrorism are being planned. They will be aimed at academics, students, lawyers and members of civil society.Membership

The HRI, which has some 7,000 members, welcomes members from across the spectrum of legal practice; indeed, the vast majority of the most active participants do not practise human rights law in their daily lives but, through membership to the HRI, demonstrate their commitment to supporting the freedom of the profession.Mechanism of Quick Response

The HRI has various mechanisms to respond quickly to threats to lawyers and judges worldwide.Interventions

HRI makes representations to authorities worldwide if a lawyer, judge or prosecutor is under attack for carrying out his/her professional duties.Rapid Response Mechanism

Mechanism to ensure the speediness of high-level, independent missions to countries where there are signs of a sudden deterioration in the rule of law and independence of the judiciary.Trial Observation

HRI sends experts to observe trials around the world to encourage compliance with fair trial standards.Training Programmes

The HRI has organised a number of training programmes for lawyers in international human rights law. The Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, Bertrand Ramcharan, said that accord between the UN Office of the High Commission for Human Rights and the IBA:'Strengthens an essential relationship that will be of immense use in the promotion of the rule of law and respect for human rights.'