UN HRC53: Statement on the independence of judges and lawyers
Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers. Statement delivered by the UK.
Thank you, Mr [Vice] President / Madam Vice-President.
We congratulate the Special Rapporteur on her first report and welcome her ambition to encourage a reimagining of access to justice and the rule of law. The UK shares the Special Rapporteur’s concerns regarding the challenges posed by autocratization and decay of democratic traditions, with digital and online technology being used increasingly as methods to attack members of the judiciary and legal profession.
An independent judiciary and legal profession form the critical building blocks for the rule of law and the protection of human rights, allowing for legal jurisprudence to enrich the content of rights. In this way, an independent judiciary and legal profession provide the essential cornerstone for the scrutiny and protection of rights.
The UK fully respects the constitutional position of judges and the judiciary and sees legal challenges brought against the Government as a valuable component of our democratic tradition and rule of law.
Madam Special Rapporteur,
Are you able to share any planned next steps regarding engagement with community-based justice advocates as part of your work to expand the legal ecosystem?
Thank you.