Dec 5, 2008
At its World Congress, the ICJ adopted the Declaration and Plan of Action on Upholding the Rule of Law and the Role of Judges and Lawyers in Times of Crisis.
The Declaration reaffirms the essential role of judges and lawyers in safeguarding the Rule of Law and human rights during a range of crises, including public emergencies, armed conflict, political instability, terrorism and social, economic or financial upheaval.
It sets out 13 fundamental principles, which reflect fundamental and well recognized Rule of Law and human rights standards, to be upheld by governments and the legal community in crisis situations.
These include protection of the independence of judges and lawyers, and guarantees of fair administration of justice, including the right to a fair trial and effective remedy
ICJ Declaration and Plan of Action-Position papers-2008-Eng (full text, PDF)
ICJ Declaration and Plan of Action-Position papers-2008-French (full text, PDF)
ICJ Declaration and Plan of Action-Position papers-2008-Spanish (full text, PDF)
Nov 14, 2008 | Events
At the Conference on Systematic Work for Human Rights Implementation, the ICJ underscored the civil society’s dual role in terms of assessment of implementation of human rights norms as well as assistance to States in this regard.
According to the ICJ, the development of international norms has not been accomplished once and forever.
As an example, it pointed to a need to develop norms to extend the obligations to respect and ensure human rights also to businesses. On the other hand, the UN Universal Periodic Review and the system of treaty monitoring bodies should play a more meaningful role to help States ensure full compliance with human rights standards.
ICJ Intervention on Systematic Work for Human Rights Implementation-Events-2008 (full text, PDF)
Sep 30, 2008 | News
The ICJ today reminded the international community and in particular the Member States of the Human Rights Council of their responsibility to meaningfully respond to human rights violations in individual countries.
The Human Rights Council gradually loosens its grip-Press releases-2008 (full text, PDF)
Sep 16, 2008 | News
Today, the ICJ made public the final report of the Expert Legal Panel on Corporate Complicity in International Crimes.
The Panel was set up in 2006 to explore when companies and their officials could be held legally responsible under criminal and/or civil law when they are involved with other actors in gross human rights abuses. The report, comprising three volumes, addresses corporate complicity from the angles of criminal law, the law of civil responsibility and public policy.
ICJ makes public report on Corporate Complicity in International Crimes-Press releases-2008 (full text, PDF)
Jul 31, 2008
The ICJ called on the Council to press Zimbabwe to ensure free and fair polling.
