On this 24 October – the annual observance of United Nations Day, marking the entry into force of the UN Charter in 1945 and the founding of the global multilateral order of peace, human rights and the rule of law – the International Bar Association (IBA) reaffirms its foundational commitment to those very ideals.

IBA President Jaime Carey stated, ‘On United Nations Day we are reminded that the global rule of law is not simply a lofty ideal but a living commitment. The IBA was founded to carry forward the vision of the UN Charter by enabling bar associations, law societies and lawyers everywhere to protect justice, defend rights and ensure that the legal profession is independent, diverse and inclusive. Our work supporting the UN’s principles continues today, worldwide.’

Celebrating this the 80th anniversary of the founding of the UN, the IBA links its purpose to the august body and its global justice mission.

Founded in 1947, the IBA was established shortly after the creation of the UN with the aim of protecting and promoting the rule of law globally, it was born out of the conviction that an organisation constituted of the world's bar associations and law societies could contribute to global stability and peace through the observance of law and international cooperation.

As set out in Article 1 of its Constitution, the IBA’s purposes importantly include:

• to promote the principles and aims of the UN in their legal aspects;
• to assist legal professionals globally in the development and improvement of their legal services to the public; and
• to assist legal professionals worldwide in the independence of the legal profession and the protection and advancement of the rule of law.

In this way, the IBA’s mission is firmly aligned with the vision celebrated on United Nations Day: that of international cooperation under the rule of law, respect for human rights and access to justice.

IBA Executive Director Dr Mark Ellis commented, ‘In today’s rapidly changing global environment – marked by rising geopolitical tensions and persistent challenges to the rule of law – the IBA’s work is more vital than ever in ensuring that the legal profession remains a bulwark for justice, fairness, and equality. The IBA’s constitutional purpose – to promote the principles and aims of the United Nations – compels us to convene, educate, and advocate so that lawyers everywhere can practise freely, fairly, and fearlessly. On this United Nations Day, we reaffirm that mission.’

As the global voice of the legal profession, the IBA undertakes many initiatives: convening lawyers across jurisdictions, promoting best practice in legal services, supporting bar associations and advancing professional independence. It defends the legal profession’s ability to act without fear or favour and safeguards the role of lawyers as essential in the administration of justice.

The IBA invites all members of the legal profession – associations, societies, firms, in-house counsel and individual lawyers – to join in marking United Nations Day by reflecting on their role in safeguarding justice.

ENDS

Contact: IBApressoffice@int-bar.org

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Website page link for this news release:
Short link: https://tinyurl.com/3p6u69e2
Full link: https://www.ibanet.org/From-the-UN-Charter-to-the-IBA-Constitution-celebrating-a-shared-legacy-of-law-justice-and-international-cooperation