Nepal: the ICJ urges human rights amendments to the Disappearances Bill
The ICJ is urging the Constituent Assembly to adopt a series of amendments to ensure compliance of the Bill on Disappearances Act with human rights obligations.
The proposed Disappearances Bill would criminalize the act of enforced disappearance, establish a commission to investigate past cases from 1996-2006, and provide for prosecution of perpetrators and reparations for victims. However, these laudable steps could be undermined in practice by weaknesses in certain provisions.
Nepal-The ICJ urges human rights amendments-Press releases-2008 (full text, PDF)
Nepal-ICJ letter to speaker-Open letters-2008-Eng (full text, PDF)
Nepal-ICJ letter to speaker-Open letters-2008-Nep (full text, PDF)
Attack against human rights lawyer threatens rule of law and independence of the bar
The ICJ strongly condemns the grenade attack on 27 September against prominent Sri Lankan human rights lawyer, J.C Weliamuna.
The ICJ calls on the Government of Sri Lanka to launch a prompt, independent, impartial and transparent investigation.
Sri Lanka-Attack against human rights lawyer threatens rule of law-Press releases-2008 (full text, PDF)
ICJ regional ASEAN colloquium reaffirms independence of judges and lawyers
ICJ regional ASEAN colloquium reaffirms independence of judges and lawyers.
“Ensuring independence and accountability of judges, lawyers and prosecutors is of fundamental importance in strengthening justice and the rule of law in the ASEAN region. The ICJ is delighted to host this high-level regional event in cooperation with the Office of the President of the Supreme Court of Thailand,” said Roger Normand, ICJ Asia-Pacific Director.
The high-level panel members exchanged views and comparative national experience on the application of international principles. The panel included judges from the Supreme Court and Administrative Court of Thailand, the Supreme Courts of the Philippines and Lao PDR, and representatives of the Office of the Attorney-General of Thailand and Lawyers Council of Thailand. The proceedings were observed by over 70 Thai judges, legal academics and other representatives of the Thai legal community.
Thailand-ICJ regional ASEAN colloquium reaffirms independence of judges and lawyers-Press releases-2008 (full text, PDF)
Sri Lanka: the government must strengthen the justice system and agree to re-establish the international monitoring presence
The ICJ expressed dismay at the Sri Lankan government’s complacent responses to mounting criticism of deteriorating human rights situation in the country.
Recent News
Tunisia: Quash sham conviction and sentence of judges’ association President, Anas Hmedi06 Apr 2026
The UN Human Rights Council makes significant but limited progress in addressing human rights around the world, as atrocities multiply in the Middle East and elsewhere02 Apr 2026
ICJ hosts an African Regional Convening in Kenya on Transformative Equality Jurisprudence31 Mar 2026
Russian Federation: Arbitrarily detained human rights lawyer Maria Bontsler must be released30 Mar 2026