News releases
IBAHRI calls for urgent action to abolish modern slavery on ten-year anniversary of the UK’s Modern Slavery Act
The International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) calls for urgent action from the UK government as ten-years on, the Modern Slavery Act 2015 (the Act) no longer holds up to scrutiny in the face of the persistent global prevalence of forced labour...
Released on Mar 27, 2025
New IBA Anti-Corruption Committee report finds corruption remains a prevalent issue for the legal profession
The IBA Anti-Corruption Committee and Legal Policy & Research Unit (LPRU) have released a new report on the effects of corruption on the legal profession, revealing that, despite a significant increase in lawyers’ understanding of international anti-corruption laws and instruments in recent years, challenges persist…
Released on Mar 24, 2025
IBAHRI condemns the renewed Israeli airstrikes and shelling of Gaza
The International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) condemns Israel’s renewed airstrikes and shelling of Gaza that began on the night of 17 March. With reports of almost 600 people killed since shelling resumed, the recorded estimated number of Palestinian fatalities stands in excess of 50,000...
Released on Mar 24, 2025
IBA convenes officials and diplomats to discuss accountability for international crimes through strengthened support for the ICC
The IBA International Criminal Court and International Criminal Law Programme and IBAHRI convened officials of the ICC and the Assembly of States Parties with state representatives in Geneva. They discussed the role that the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) can play to promote accountability for...
Released on Mar 24, 2025
The IBA releases episode two of the Inspirational Legal Women podcast series, with Carola van den Bruinhorst
The IBA Legal Policy & Research Unit (LPRU) has launched the second episode of the podcast series Inspirational Legal Women featuring Carola van den Bruinhorst, a Dutch lawyer with over 20 years of experience at Loyens & Loeff and a consultant in transformation processes and leadership development.
Released on Mar 18, 2025
IBA expresses deep concern over the ongoing erosion of the rule of law in the United States
The International Bar Association (IBA) expresses deep concern over the ongoing erosion of the rule of law in the United States. Recent attacks by the US administration on the judiciary, the legal profession, and the media - each a vital pillar of democracy - have created a chilling effect both...
Released on Mar 17, 2025
IBAHRI welcomes arrest of former Philippine president Duterte as a major step towards justice
The IBAHRI welcomes the arrest of former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte pursuant to an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court for crimes committed in connection with his ‘war on drugs’ campaign. This arrest marks a major step towards justice for the thousands of victims of his brutal regime.
Released on Mar 17, 2025
Arrest and surrender of former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte to the ICC is a critical step towards justice
On 11 March 2025 the former president of the Republic of the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte, was arrested by the country’s authorities on the basis of an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court.
Released on Mar 14, 2025
IBA annual awards 2025 – call for nominations
The International Bar Association (IBA) is now receiving nominations for its three annual awards (the Awards): the IBA Award for Outstanding Contribution by a Legal Practitioner to Human Rights; the IBA Pro Bono Award; and the IBA Outstanding Young Lawyer Award.
Released on Mar 12, 2025
IBA marks International Women’s Day with launch of Phase 2 of its 50:50 by 2030 gender equality project
Phase 2 of the International Bar Association’s (IBA) global project addressing the lack of gender parity at senior levels across the law launched today as International Women’s Day (8 March) is commemorated around the world. The overall aim of the project is to achieve equal...
Released on Mar 7, 2025
David Kaye appointed as new member of the High Level Panel of Legal Experts on Media Freedom
Baroness Helena Kennedy LT KC, Chair of the High Level Panel of Legal Experts on Media Freedom, has appointed Professor David Kaye, the former UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression…
Released on Mar 7, 2025
Inspirational Legal Women podcast series launched by the IBA
The International Bar Association (IBA) Legal Policy & Research Unit (LPRU) has launched the podcast series ‘Inspirational Legal Women’. The series encourages inspirational IBA members with interesting careers and remarkable stories to…
Released on Mar 3, 2025
Inaugural UK Media Freedom Forum launched by IBAHRI and partners
The inaugural UK Media Freedom Forum is taking place from 4–5 March 2025 at The City Law School, London. Organised by the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI), the Foreign Policy Centre (FPC) and Justice for Journalists Foundation (JFJ), in partnership…
Released on Feb 27, 2025
IBA Committees demonstrate commitment to social justice and the rule of law
The United Nations World Day of Social Justice is observed annually on 20 February and is based on the International Labour Organization (ILO) Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalization. Unanimously adopted by the ILO on 10 June 2008, the declaration recognises that a strong social...
Released on Feb 20, 2025
UN World Day of Social Justice 20 February 2025 - IBA specialist committees focus on eradicating poverty
The video of a recent webinar organised by IBA specialist Committees which concentrated on UN Sustainable Development Goal 1 is being shared in honour of the United Nations World Day of Social Justice on 20 February. It is estimated that 575 million people live in extreme poverty.
Released on Feb 20, 2025
UN World Day of Social Justice 20 February 2025 - Integrating business and human rights
The IBA is marking the United Nations World Day of Social Justice by reminding lawyers of two of its published guidelines that recommend frameworks for the integration of human rights and environmental due diligence regulations: the Updated IBA Business and Human Rights Guidance for Bar Associations...
Released on Feb 20, 2025
UN World Day of Social Justice 20 February 2025 - IBA spotlights work of its Global Employment Institute
The United Nations World Day of Social Justice, observed each 20 February, draws attention to the importance of a fair labour market to improve lives and create a more sustainable future for all. Central to this is inclusive and effective governance of work, ensuring employment opportunities and...
Released on Feb 20, 2025
AI requires greater attention from the legal sector, IBA Future of Legal Services Commission report reveals
According to the International Bar Association’s (IBA) Future of Legal Services Commission (FLSC), artificial intelligence (AI) is a crucial topic that the legal profession needs to focus on more in the short-term. However, research undertaken by the FLSC reveals...
Released on Feb 13, 2025
IBAHRI to co-host gender apartheid event at UK Houses of Parliament
The IBAHRI, One Law for All and Project Resist are hosting an event titled ‘Gender Apartheid: A Crime Against Humanity’ on Thursday 6 March 2025 at the Houses of Parliament in London. The organisers and speakers are joining countless courageous women to call on the international community...
Released on Feb 13, 2025
FREE training for human rights defenders on freedom of religion or belief offered by IBAHRI
The International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) is offering a free online training course for human rights defenders working on cases relating to freedom of religion or belief (FoRB). Taking place from 17–27 February 2025, the programme is divided into 16 sessions covering...
Released on Feb 10, 2025
US sanctions against the International Criminal Court are denounced by the IBA
The International Bar Association (IBA) denounces sanctions against the International Criminal Court (ICC). The IBA calls on all states to oppose sanctions and respect the judicial independence of the Court.
Released on Feb 7, 2025
Türkiye: IBAHRI urges authorities to drop lawsuit against Istanbul Bar Association
The International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) has co-signed a statement expressing deep concern for the recent criminal investigation and lawsuit against the Istanbul Bar Association, its President İbrahim Kaboğlu, and the executive board in the Republic of Türkiye.
Released on Jan 29, 2025
A message from the IBA on the passing of Michael Reynolds, a former President of the IBA
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Michael Reynolds, former President International Bar Association (2013–2014), who died on 26 January 2025. As tributes pour into the IBA, our condolences, prayers and thoughts are with…
Released on Jan 28, 2025
Zimbabwe: IBAHRI welcomes abolition of death penalty
The IBAHRI welcomes the abolition of the death penalty for ordinary crimes in Zimbabwe through the Death Penalty Abolition Act (2024), which President Emmerson Mnangagwa signed into law on 31 December 2024. Zimbabwe has had a de facto moratorium on executions since 2005...
Released on Jan 27, 2025
IBA promotes the Rule of Law across the world through a series of short films
Through a series of short films, the International Bar Association (IBA) – the global voice of the legal profession – is increasing awareness of the value and significance of the Rule of Law among people worldwide as the 2025 United Nations International Day of Education (UN Day) is commemorated.
Released on Jan 24, 2025
A cohort of organisations spotlight the ‘forgotten genocide’ of Uyghurs by China
To draw attention to the reported ongoing genocide targeting Uyghurs and other Turkic peoples in East Turkistan – an area referred to by China as the ‘Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region’ – Baroness Helena Kennedy LT KC, Director of the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) chaired...
Released on Jan 23, 2025
Hina Jilani announced as the new Co-Chair of the IBA’s Human Rights Institute Council
Pioneering lawyer and pro-democracy campaigner Hina Jilani has taken up the position of Co-Chair of the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) Council. Her tenure, effective from 1 January 2025, will run until 31 December 2026. She succeeds Anne Ramberg Dr Jur hc...
Released on Jan 22, 2025
A homage to Anne Ramberg, whose tenure as IBAHRI Co-Chair has ended
With the stepping down of Anne Ramberg Dr Jur hc (pictured) as Co-Chair of the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI), we reflect on her contribution to the IBAHRI over the course of her six-year tenure from 2019-2024. Anne left office on 31 December 2024.
Released on Jan 16, 2025
Il cileno Jaime Carey entra nella storia come nuovo presidente dell’International Bar Association
Jaime Carey, senior partner di Carey, il principale studio legale cileno, ha assunto la presidenza dell'International Bar Association (IBA, Associazione internazionale degli ordini forensi). Carey è il primo cileno a ricoprire la carica nei quasi 80 anni di storia dell'associazione.
Released on Jan 14, 2025
El chileno Jaime Carey hace historia como nuevo presidente de la International Bar Association
Jaime Carey, socio principal de Carey, el mayor bufete de abogados de Chile, ha asumido la presidencia de la International Bar Association (IBA, Asociación Internacional de Abogados). Carey es el primer chileno que ocupa el cargo en los casi 80 años de historia de la asociación.
Released on Jan 14, 2025