American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative’s Post

Free + Equal Human Rights Conference is coming up! Former High Court judge Michael Kirby and leading international human rights lawyer Jennifer Robinson (who represents Julian Assange) are set to join an inspiring list of thinkers at the Free + Equal Human Rights Conference on 6th and 7th of June at the Hyatt Regency in Sydney. The conference will focus on the upcoming, and highly-anticipated, report by the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights into revitalising Australia’s approach to human rights, as well as how to activate community support and engagement for this landmark reform. Sessions will also focus on a range of key human rights related issues, including: ·        Enhancing Australia's anti-discrimination laws ·        Preventing racism ·        Improving children's rights and youth justice ·        Exploring the intersection of business, technology and human rights ·        Marking 40 years of Australia’s ground-breaking Sex Discrimination Act Hundreds of delegates from across Australia’s human rights, civil society, legal, justice, government and business sectors are set to attend the gathering which promises to be Australia’s premier human rights event for 2024. To find out more and register, access www.freeandequal.com.au #freeandequal #AHRC #HumanRightsAct #AusHumanRights

December 10 marks Human Rights Day, established in 1950 to commemorate the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. 🌍📜 Despite the existence of a comprehensive international legal framework, millions of people are trafficked each year ‒ within countries and across borders ‒ for various exploitative purposes. These include forced labor, sexual exploitation, forced marriage and organ removal. The OHCHR highlights several factors that increase vulnerability to human trafficking, such as economic deprivation, gender and race-based discrimination and conflict situations. These conditions often restrict life choices and leave individuals and communities more susceptible to trafficking. As the OHCHR states: “Different human rights are relevant at different points in the trafficking cycle. Some are especially relevant to the causes of trafficking. This is when a violation of human rights, for instance the violation of the right to an adequate standard of living, lead to increased vulnerability of a person. Other human rights are relevant to the actual process of trafficking. In fact, trafficking and associated practices such as slavery, sexual exploitation, child labour, forced labour, debt bondage and forced marriage, are themselves violations of basic human rights and are prohibited under international human rights law. Finally, certain human rights concern the response to trafficking, such as the right to access to justice, the right to effective remedies, and the right to a fair trial.” ✊🌐 This Human Rights Day, let us renew our collective determination to fight human trafficking and to strengthen transnational and cross-sectoral cooperation to ensure that human rights are upheld for all. 📖 To learn more about human trafficking and its intersection with human rights, read the full article by OHCHR here: https://lnkd.in/e-seryWZ #EndTrafficking #HumanRightsDay #ASITproject

One of the fundamental aims of any legal system is to protect individuals and it should ensure every one of us is treated equally. However, the legal world is intricate and full of complexities. These challenges can sometimes leave people unable to access the justice they deserve. We take a look at how lawyers can defend human rights and act as advocates for change, justice and social equality 👉 https://ow.ly/RRcH50UaKxz

Today marks Human Rights Day and the 76th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights - a landmark document protecting fundamental rights for all, regardless of race, religion, gender, or status. The 2024 theme "Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now" reminds us that human rights are not just ideals, but practical pathways to building more peaceful, equal societies. At Tann Law, we witness daily how human rights affect real lives. Whether you're facing: ❗Immigration challenges ❗Discrimination ❗Unfair treatment ❗Legal system barriers Our team is here to protect your fundamental rights and ensure your voice is heard. Human rights are your legal entitlements. If you need support understanding or defending your rights, contact us for guidance. Together, let's build a future where everyone's rights are respected and protected. 🌟 #HumanRightsDay #UDHR #TannLaw #HumanRights #LegalSupport

🌍 International Human Rights Day: A Call for Equality, Justice, and Freedom 🌟 Today, on International Human Rights Day, we reaffirm our commitment to uphold the fundamental rights that belong to every individual, regardless of race, gender, nationality, or belief. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), adopted on this day in 1948, serves as a timeless reminder that human dignity, freedom, and justice are non-negotiable. It is our collective responsibility to ensure these rights are respected and protected for all. As an advocate, I believe in the transformative power of law to protect the vulnerable, amplify the unheard, and foster a society where equality prevails. Whether through small acts of kindness or large-scale initiatives, each of us can contribute to a world that values human rights. Let's make every day Human Rights Day. Let’s stand up, speak out, and take action for what is right. Together, we can build a more inclusive and just future. 💬 How will you stand for human rights today? Share your thoughts and inspire change! #HumanRightsDay #EqualityForAll #JusticeMatters #AdvocateForChange #UDHR #HumanDignity #FreedomAndJustice #LegalProfession #HumanRightsAdvocate #HumanRights #SocialJustice #StandUp4HumanRights #Empowerment #EqualRights #DiversityAndInclusion #Advocacy #RuleOfLaw #GlobalUnity #PeaceAndJustice #LegalAdvocate #Inclusivity #FreedomForAll #HumanityFirst #InternationalLaw #EqualityMatters #TogetherForHumanRights #BarCouncilAdvocate #LawyerLife

The IBA’s Human Rights Law Committee ( HRLC) is presenting a webinar on 9th October 2024 on this very timely topic of human rights lawyers at risk in South East Asia. I will be the moderator for the panel discussion . We have an incredible lineup of lawyers who will share lived experiences from the frontlines of justice in Southeast Asia. We invite you to join the conversation as we look to shift barriers for the defenders in decline. #humanrights #defenders #IBA #HRLC

International Human Rights Day highlights the universal rights every individual deserves, regardless of background or status. 🌍 At IBWC, we stand for the empowerment of immigrant businesswomen and the protection of human dignity for all. Let’s continue advocating for equality and justice everywhere. How do you champion human rights? 💙 #IBWC #immigrantbusinesswomencircle #ImmigrantWomenInBusiness #WomenInBusiness #HumanRightsDay #EqualityForAll #IBWC

Our book on Covid-19 and Human Rights is now available for free on Routledge Open Access. Martha, Amanda and I edited the book during the pandemic at a time when nobody knew where it would land. And we still do not know! The fabulous authors of the various articles picked already at that stage the key human rights issues that we still discuss today such as gender aspects of the pandemic, the populist way of addressing the crisis, the impact on migrants and refugees and many more pertinent topics. Acknowledging the pandemic as a defining moment for human rights, several of the authors proposes constructive elements for a post-crisis human rights agenda. Today the pandemic is at distance but there is still a lot to do to prepare ourself for the next crisis. I hope our book can still serve as a source of inspiration for the future. https://lnkd.in/dbHq4T6q.

ECtHR: Being forced to conceal sexual orientation is unacceptable The European Court of Human Rights reminded yesterday that "a person’s sexual orientation is a fundamental part of his or her identity and that no one may be obliged to conceal his or her sexual orientation in order to avoid persecution". The ECtHR disagreed with the Swiss authorities' claim that the applicant's sexual orientation will not be discovered in Iran. It highlighted that homosexual acts are criminalized in Iran both in law and practice. It has noticed that the LGBT persons are also at risk of the ill-treatment inflicted by the non-state actors. Meanwhile, Iranian authorities would be unwilling to provide the applicant with effective protection in this respect. This aspect of the case, however, was not scrutinized by the Swiss authorities. Accordingly, Article 3 ECHR was considered violated by the court. This is only the second judgment of the ECtHR concerning LGBT asylum seekers in which a violation of Article 3 ECHR was found. The previous one also concerned Switzerland (B and C). The court opposed to the concealment requirement for the first time in 2017 (also in a decision concerning Switzerland (I.K.)), finally joining in this regard the Court of Justice of the EU and other institutions. While it is commendable that the ECtHR seems to be changing its - previously rather restrictive - approach towards LGBT asylum seekers, it is worrisome that it still feels compelled to specify that the parties agreed that the discretion cannot be required upon return. It just waters down human rights standards. M.I. v. Switzerland, no. 56390/21, 12 November 2024, https://lnkd.in/eZNcxhjt. B and C v. Switzerland, nos. 889/19 and 43987/16, 17 November 2020, https://lnkd.in/gVJVt-hF. I.K. v. Switzerland, no. 21417/17, 19 December 2017, dec., https://lnkd.in/enQC9mvR. More about the ECtHR caselaw on LGBT asylum seekers: https://lnkd.in/eVPMcvwC (chapter 4).

We will be closely watching this afternoon’s European Parliamentary debate: “Recent legislation targeting #LGBTQI persons and the need for protecting the rule of law and a discrimination-free Union”. This debate will centre on the rising hatred that LGBTI people are facing across #Europe, including the rise in violence, disinformation, hate speech and legislation directly restricting the rights and lives of LGBTI people. We call for a reasonable and respectful debate where hate speech has no place, and for the following: 🇪🇺 The European Commission to change its current policy and start #infringement procedures when there is a single EU law violation, notably on fundamental rights matters. 🇪🇺 To establish a monitoring mechanism regarding the implementation of #CJEU judgements with annual assessment moments, and launch infringement procedures in cases of non-implementation. 🇪🇺 To allow transparent access to information and updates on the stage of #implementation of every judgement of the CJEU, tracking also the parties’ submissions on implementation. 🇪🇺 To stop #EUfunds where it is established that laws or policies breach the principles and respect for the EU’s Charter of Fundamental Rights, stipulating the horizontal enabling conditions.