47th Session of the Human Rights Council | Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and of Association
STATEMENT OF THE INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT LAW ORGANIZATION
1 July, 2021
Geneva
Delivered by Mark Cassayre, Permanent Observer to the United Nations in Geneva, IDLO
Thank you, Madam President.
The International Development Law Organization thanks the Special Rapporteur for his report.
IDLO agrees with the Special Rapporteur that access to justice, including for marginalized and vulnerable communities, is an integral element of the protection of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association.
However, access to justice means little if those entitled to it are not aware of their rights or do not have trust in public institutions.
For this reason, legal empowerment is fundamental. Empowering people and building more effective, accountable and inclusive institutions offers a concrete pathway toward peace, good governance, human rights, and sustainable development.
IDLO works top down with governments to improve institutions and bottom-up with justice seekers to equip them with the knowledge, confidence and skills to press for justice and benefit from effective institutions.
IDLO also agrees with the Special Rapporteur on the paramount importance played by the judiciary in the promotion and protection of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association.
An accountable, independent, and impartial judiciary is a pre-condition to ensure the rule of law and good governance. Since its foundation, IDLO has worked in a variety of legal systems and traditions, in partnership with local and international actors, to build and strengthen the capacity of prosecutors, judges and lawyers.
IDLO welcomes the Special Rapporteur’s decision to provide practical guidelines for lawyers, for their engagement in the protection and promotion of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, which contribute to the fight against impunity through accountability and prevent future violations and abuses from occurring. How can we strengthen and support this important area?
I thank you.
***
The International Development Law Organization (IDLO) enables governments and empowers people to reform laws and strengthen institutions to promote peace, justice, sustainable development and economic opportunity.
