Special Virtual Discussion | 25 March 2021 | 15:00 – 17:00 Geneva
Access to Justice for All in support of the United Nations Human Rights Council Forum on Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law
On 16-17 November 2021, the United Nations Human Rights Council will convene its third Forum on Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law on the theme of “Equal access to justice for all: a necessary element of democracy, rule of law and human rights protection”. In the context of COVID-19, this theme is as important as ever to inform responses to the pandemic and, more broadly, good governance and protection, respect and promotion of human rights.
Access to justice is a human right in itself and, together with the rule of law, offers a concrete pathway to peace, good governance, human rights, democracy, and sustainable development. Thus, Sustainable Development Goal 16 - on access to justice and accountable institutions - is not only an end itself but is an essential enabler of human rights and the entire Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development.
IDLO, in cooperation with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and with the co-sponsorship of the Council’s Core Group on the Forum on Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law - Morocco, Norway, Peru, Republic of Korea, Romania, and Tunisia - is organizing this event to highlight the importance of equal access to justice for all and to provide an opportunity to stakeholders to suggest topics under the theme “Access to Justice” to be included in the agenda of the Forum.
This event is organized by IDLO in cooperation with OHCHR and co-sponsored by the Human Rights Council Core Group for the Forum on Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law.
Speakers will include:
Opening Remarks and Chair
- Ms. Jan Beagle, Director-General, IDLO
Keynote Address
- Hon. Michael Kirby, President, International Bar Association Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) and formerly Justice of the High Court Justice of Australia
Panelists
- Mona Rishmawi, Chief, Rule of Law, Equality and Non-Discrimination Branch, OHCHR
- Åsa Regnér, Deputy Executive Director, UN Women
- Diahann Gordon Harrison, Attorney-at-Law and Children’s Advocate of Jamaica
- Gerald Abila, Barefoot Law, Uganda
- Diego García Sayán, Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers
An interactive dialogue will follow the remarks and panel discussion.
Details
Thursday, 25 March 2021 | 15:00 – 17:00 Geneva
A concept note is available for download below.
For further information please send an email to sdodero@idlo.int