IBA Judges' Forum issues statement in support of Afghanistan's Judges

Friday 20 August 2021

The International Bar Association (IBA) Judges’ Forum strongly endorses the grave concerns expressed by the IBA, the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute, and numerous other international judicial associations about the situation presently unfolding in Afghanistan.

The Judges’ Forum holds particular concerns for the personal safety and professional wellbeing of Afghan judges, especially the 250 women judges in that jurisdiction.

A strong and independent judiciary is essential to maintenance of the rule of law. Judicial officers, regardless of their gender, race, or religious affiliation, must be protected so as to enable them to serve their countries and communities by administering justice according to law.

The Judges’ Forum deplores any retaliation against our judicial colleagues and calls for the international community to unite in assuring protection for all judicial officers in Afghanistan, particularly the women judges who have expressed real and genuine fears in the current circumstances.

ENDS

Notes to the Editor

The International Bar Association (IBA), the global voice of the legal profession, is the foremost organisation for international legal practitioners, bar associations and law societies. Established in 1947, shortly after the creation of the United Nations, it was born out of the conviction that an organisation made up of the world's bar associations could contribute to global stability and peace through the administration of justice.
The IBA Judges’ Forum offers an opportunity for judges from all jurisdictions to meet and discuss issues that are of common and current interest to members of the judiciary.

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