May 13, 2008 | News
The ICJ urged the Government of Pakistan to promptly address the consequences of the rule of law crisis culminating in the 2007 state of emergency. Although the delegation of Pakistan engaged in dialogue about how to better ensure respect of human rights in a number of areas, it often denied the prevalence of major human rights concerns. Pakistan’s steps towards democracy including legislative amendments to improve human rights were welcomed. But the Council’s Working Group failed to offer guidance on how to progress issues relating to the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary.
Pakistan-ICJ urges the Government of Pakistan-Press releases-2008 (full text, PDF)
Apr 8, 2008 | Events
On 2 and 3 December 2008, the ICJ will hold its World Congress in Geneva, Switzerland. The theme of the Congress will be the Judiciary in Times of Crisis.
Mar 31, 2008 | News
With a few exceptions, notably on human rights in counter-terrorism, the Council has not made headway in promoting human rights.
Neither of the sound political calls from the High-Level Segment to ensure accountability and to fight impunity resonated with the Council, the ICJ said.
Human Rights Council Concludes with a few Accomplishments-Press releases-2008 (full text, PDF)
Mar 6, 2008 | News
The ICJ today concluded its second high-level mission to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT).
ICJ Commissioners Professor Pedro Nikken and Professor Rajeev Dhavan led the mission. In the West Bank, they met with senior Palestinian officials, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Mr. Issa Abu Sharar, the Public Prosecutor, Mr. Ahmed Maghni, and representatives of local NGOs and the legal community. They also visited illegal settlements and the wall of separation in the West Bank and Jerusalem. In Israel, the ICJ delegation held meetings with senior governmental officials and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Israel, Ms. Dorit Beinisch
This mission followed the first ICJ mission to Gaza, led by its Secretary-General in December 2007. The first mission met with representatives of the dismissed government of Hamas, senior judges, lawyers, local NGOs and representatives of the legal community. The mission visited refugee camps in Jabaliya, Dir Al Balah, Khan Younes, witnessing the devastating impact of the Israeli siege of Gaza on the humanitarian situation in these camps and the human rights of the civilian population in Gaza.
Palestine-Israel-ICJ Includes a Second High Level Mission to the Occupied Palestinian Territories and Israel-web-2008 (full text, PDF)
Feb 28, 2008 | News
The European Court of Human Rights today reaffirmed that the ban on deporting people to countries where they are at risk of torture or ill-treatment is absolute and unconditional.