To mark Human Rights Day (10
December), the law societies of England &
Wales, Northern Ireland and
Scotland have united to call for urgent
ratification
of a groundbreaking new treaty designed
to protect lawyers, the people responsible
for defending everyone's rights.
The Council of Europe* Convention for the Protection of the
Profession of Lawyer** provides a framework
to protect lawyers from
the rising worldwide tide of harassment,
threats and physical
attacks that undermine their ability to do
their job and serve the public.
It is the first internationally binding treaty to
protect lawyers, ensuring they can work safely and
independently. However, it will only come into
force once eight states have ratified it.
The UK was one of the first countries that signed the convention.
Recent attacks and new Law Society research*** expose the urgent
need for action, with almost half of solicitors who responded
saying that they or their firm received a threat in the past 12
months, with some experiencing multiple
incidents.
Early ratification by the UK will allow us to play
a key role in developing the monitoring body and, more
importantly, to send a powerful signal to the rest of
the world about the country's commitment
to supporting lawyers in protecting human
rights.
Law Society of England and Wales president, Mark
Evans, said: “The UK government has the unique opportunity
to play a leading role by being one of the first countries to
ratify and align the convention with
the country's well-established legal
standards.
“Lawyers play a key role in making sure our justice system
works fairly for everyone. This convention is
a huge step towards safeguarding the rule of
law and ensuring people can access justice, supported
by lawyers who can carry
on doing their jobs safely and
independently.”
Law Society of Northern Ireland president Mark
Borland said: “The Convention represents a major
milestone, particularly given Northern Ireland's historical
context and ongoing risks to the profession, in reinforcing the
importance of ensuring that those who work to uphold the rule of
law can do so safely, independently and without fear.”
Law Society of Scotland president Patricia Thom said: “In a
fair and just society, it is imperative that lawyers can provide
their clients with much needed advice and representation, safely
and without fear or favour. Sadly, reports
of harassment, threats and attacks on the profession are on
the rise. It is therefore vital that we protect members of the
legal profession as they serve the public; and ratify this
Convention at the earliest possible opportunity.”
Notes to editors
- * The Council of Europe is
an international organisation working to promote democracy,
human rights and the rule of law across Europe and
beyond.
- ** Read the Law Society of England and
Wales's leaflet on the
convention.
- *** The survey, organised by the Law Society of England
and Wales, took place in August this year with 286 responses
overall. 139 of the respondents claimed to have received
threats. Contact the press office for a copy of the
report.
-
Tony Fisher, chair
of the Law Society of England and Wales human rights
committee, was the UK representative on the drafting committee
for the convention.
- The Law Society of England and Wales's Lawyers at
Risk programme aims to support legal professionals worldwide who
face human rights violations because of their work and raise
awareness of the risks they face.
