Jun 7, 2017 | Events, News
The ICJ organised a panel discussion on 8 June 2017, on the role of judges and lawyers in relation to refugees and migrants, at a side event to the 35th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.
The Panel was held on the occasion of the publication of ICJ Principles and Commentary on the topic, developed in consultation with judges, lawyers and other expert practitioners from around the world.
The event took place on Thursday, 8 June 2017, from 10:30 to 11:30, in Room XXI of the Palais des Nations, Geneva.
Welcome remarks were delivered by:
- Saman Zia-Zarifi, Secretary General of the ICJ.
- Olivier Coutau, Délégué à la Genève internationale, Republic and Canton of Geneva
Panelists included:
- François Crépeau, UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants.
- Carole Simone Dahan, Senior Legal Advisor on Judicial Engagement, UNHCR.
- Pia Oberoi, Advisor on Migration and Human Rights, OHCHR.
The discussion was moderated by Matt Pollard, ICJ Senior Legal Adviser.
At the event, each of the panelists emphasised the importance of access to independence courts and lawyers for securing the rights of refugees and migrants, and highlighted the importance and utlity of the ICJ Principles in this regard.
More background on the ICJ Principles and Commentary is available by clicking here.
For more information, email un(a)icj.org
A flyer for the event may be downloaded in PDF format here: Refugees-Migrants-ICJ-Event-HRC35-June2017
The consultations, development and publication of the ICJ Principles were made possible with the financial support of the Republic and Canton of Geneva, for which the ICJ is grateful.
May 16, 2017 | News
Non-governmental organisations interested in participating in UN human rights mechanisms have until 1 June 2017 to submit an application for consideration during 2017.
The International Commission of Jurists, which itself has had consultative status with the UN since 1957, has been requested by the United Nations to disseminate the following information about the upcoming deadline for other interested NGOs to obtain UN consultative status:
1 June 2017 is the last day for Non-Governmental Organizations to apply for consultative status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), in order to have an opportunity to take part in UN deliberations. ECOSOC consultative status is governed by ECOSOC resolution 1996/31, which outlines the eligibility requirements for consultative status, rights and obligations of NGOs in consultative status, procedures for the withdrawal or suspension of consultative status, the role and functions of the ECOSOC Committee on NGOs, and the responsibilities of the UN Secretariat in supporting the consultative relationship. Consultative status is granted by ECOSOC upon recommendation of the ECOSOC Committee on NGOs, which is composed by Member States.
Who is eligible for applying?
Consultative relationships may be established with international, regional, sub regional and national non-governmental, non-profit public or voluntary organizations. NGOs affiliated to an international organization already in status may be admitted provided that they can demonstrate that their programme of work has direct relevance to the aims and purposes of the United Nations.
To be eligible for consultative status, an NGO must have been in existence (officially registered with the appropriate government authorities as an NGO/non-profit) for at least two years, must have an established headquarters, a democratically adopted constitution, authority to speak for its members, a representative structure, appropriate mechanisms of accountability and democratic and transparent decision-making processes. The basic resources of the organization must be derived in the main part from contributions of the national affiliates or other components or from individual members.
What are the benefits?
NGOs that are accredited with ECOSOC can participate in a number of events, including, but not limited to regular sessions of ECOSOC, its functional commissions and its other subsidiary bodies. NGOs may:
- Attend official meetings;
- Submit written statements prior to sessions;
- Make oral statements;
- Meet official government delegations and other NGO representatives;
- Organize and attend parallel events that take place during the session;
- Participate in debates, interactive dialogues, panel discussions and informal meetings.
Organizations established by governments or intergovernmental agreements are not considered NGOs.
Information about how to apply is available here: http://csonet.org/index.php?page=view&nr=377&type=230&menu=14
Please note that ICJ is not itself involved or in a position to assist with applications for UN consultative status and all queries should be directed to the UN.
May 10, 2017 | Advocacy, News, Non-legal submissions
The ICJ emphasised the role of judges and lawyers in protecting human rights of migrants, during consultations at the UN in Geneva, as part of the preparatory process for a Global Compact on migration.
The informal consultation was convened by the UN General Assembly and held in Geneva on 8-9 May 2017. With a focus on human rights of migrants, it was the first thematic consultation to be held in connection with ongoing efforts by States to agree a UN global compact for safe, orderly and regular migration.
In addition to a written submission, the ICJ made statements during the main discussion, and as part of the concluding discussions.
The initial statement highlighted the recently published Principles on the Role of Judges and Lawyers in relation to Refugees and Migrants, developed by the ICJ in consultation with a wide range of relevant experts.
The concluding statement emphasised that effective protection of human rights, including of migrants, requires equal and effective access to impartial courts and independent lawyers, and urged States to ensure that the need for legal and practical guarantees for such access is reflected in the Global Compact eventually to be adopted. Indeed, the ICJ noted, access of individuals to a means of their enforcement is a key element distinguishing durable “rights” from, for instance, welcome but not necessarily permanent generosity.
For more information about the Principles on the Role of Judges and Lawyers in relation to Refugees and Migrants, click here.
Mar 13, 2017 | Events, News
The ICJ and the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan are convening a side event at the UN Human Rights Council, entitled “Rights vs Security? Protecting human rights while countering terrorism in South Asia”.
The event takes place 15 March 2017, 12:00-13:00, Palais des Nations, Room XXI
Many States in South Asia are responding to security risks posed by terrorism in a manner that erodes respect for the rule of law and human rights—and, as demonstrated around the world, can actually weaken the ability to counter terrorism. ICJ’s panel discussion featuring prominent activists and lawyers from the region takes stock of recent developments and considers a regional way toward countering terrorism while strengthening justice.
Panelists:
Mr I. A. Rehman: Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (Pakistan)
Mr Adilur Rahman Khan: Odhikar (Bangladesh)
Mr Gehan Gunatilleke: Lawyer and researcher (Sri Lanka)
Ms Sanhita Ambast: Human rights lawyer (India)
Moderator:
Mr Massimo Frigo: International Commission of Jurists
A flyer may be downloaded here.
Mar 13, 2017 | Advocacy, Non-legal submissions
The ICJ today delivered a joint NGO oral statement to the UN Human Rights Council on the need in Myanmar for an international Commission of Inquiry and for an independent and self-governing legal profession.
In the statement, the International Commission of Jurists, joined by the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute and Lawyers’ Rights Watch Canada, welcomed the report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation for human rights in Myanmar, and her recommendation for a Commission of Inquiry to investigate persecution of Rohingya and other minorities in Rakhine State.
Since 9 October 2016, Myanmar’s security forces have reportedly targeted Rohingya during “clearance operations” which have no basis in law. Attacks against women, men, and children allegedly have involved extrajudicial killings; enforced disappearances; torture and other ill-treatment including rape and other sexual violence; hundreds of arbitrary arrests and detentions; forced displacement; and looting and destruction of homes, food and other property.
To date, authorities in Myanmar appear to have been unwilling or unable to investigate abuses or hold perpetrators accountable. Several national investigation commissions have lacked impartiality and independence. National judicial and law enforcement authorities lack capacity and independence to address this situation. Accordingly, we urge Council to adopt a resolution at this session establishing an international, independent Commission of Inquiry to assess facts, identify causes and perpetrators, and issue recommendations including remedies for victims.
The recent killing of lawyer U Ko Ni, who strongly advocated against religious discrimination and for inter-communal peace, must be subject to a prompt, impartial and effective investigation capable of identifying all those responsible and holding them accountable in a fair trial. It also underscores the urgent need for an independent and self-governing legal profession in Myanmar, enabled to uphold human rights and the rule of law without fear.
The statement may be downloaded in PDF format here: HRC34-OralStatement-Myanmar-2017
