Independence of the judiciary as a challenge to democracy, human rights and rule of law

Independence of the judiciary as a challenge to democracy, human rights and rule of law

The ICJ and the Southern African Chief Justices’ Forum (SACJF) will be hosting the 2nd Judges’ Summer Colloquium on ‘Independence of the Judiciary as a Challenge to Democracy, Human Rights and Rule of Law’.

The event, to take place in Livingstone (Zambia), from 19 – 21 May, 2011 will provide space for a critical review of the current state of judicial independence in the East and Southern Africa region, by the Chief Justices from the judiciaries within the region, Judges from Zambia, and stakeholders from continental and regional institutions including the ICJ, OSISA, IAWJ, SADC LA, UN agencies, NGOs and academic institutions. Over 60 participants from national, regional and international institutions are expected to attend

Zambia-human rights and rule of law-event-2011 (full text, PDF)

Concern about the trial against judge Maria Lourdes Afiuni

Concern about the trial against judge Maria Lourdes Afiuni

The ICJ and other Human Rights groups today expressed their concern at the ongoing prosecution of Judge Maria Lourdes Afiuni.  

The organizations called on the Venezuelan authorities to ensure that the trial against the Venezuelan tenured criminal judge comply with all fair trial guarantees provided under international law and Venezuelan Constitution, and hearings be held in public, with access provided to national and international observers.

Venezuela-judge Maria Lourdes Afiuni trail-press release-2011

 

Kasha Jacqueline, an LGBT activist and human rights defender from Uganda, is the winner of the 2011 Martin Ennals award

Kasha Jacqueline, an LGBT activist and human rights defender from Uganda, is the winner of the 2011 Martin Ennals award

Kasha Jacqueline, a bold and courageous human rights defender, is a co-founder and Executive Director of Freedom and Roam Uganda, an LGBT rights organization.

Kasha has been at the forefront of the civil society campaign against the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, which would impose the death penalty for certain acts of “aggravated homosexuality” and also criminalizes freedom of expression and association concerning promotion of homosexuality.

Uganda-winner of the 211 Matrin Ennals award-web story-2011 (full text, PDF)

Photo by Amnesty France

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