47th Session of the Human Rights Council | Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers
STATEMENT BY THE INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT LAW ORGANIZATION
28 June, 2021
Geneva
Delivered by Mark Cassayre, Permanent Observer to the United Nations in Geneva, IDLO
Thank you Madam President.
The International Development Law Organization (IDLO) thanks the Special Rapporteur for his report and shares his concerns about the negative impact of the pandemic on the independence of judicial systems and access to justice, which, in the words of the Special Rapporteur: “are essential to the exercise of human rights and the consolidation of the rule of law.” As the Special Rapporteur emphasized, emergency measures have limited the functions of judicial systems, including access to courts and tribunals, and constrained the ability of lawyers to freely exercise their profession, further widening the justice gap. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought an increase in crimes of an economic nature owing to corruption associated with the use of emergency funds, and a significant increase in cases of gender-based and sexual violence, facilitated by confinement.
IDLO’s Roadmap for a Rule of Law-Based Recovery highlights that good governance and the rule of law are critical elements to ensure a more sustainable and resilient recovery from the pandemic. An independent judiciary is central to this.
IDLO is supporting the work of the G20 Anti-Corruption Working Group chaired by Italy, where it is sharing practice from its support to countries globally in making justice institutions more transparent and responsive and enhancing their capacity to prevent, detect and prosecute fraud and economic crimes.
In response to the UN Secretary General’s call for ‘peace at home’, in April 2021 IDLO joined the Group of Friends for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. IDLO also committed to upscale support in at least eight countries in conflict and fragile contexts to combat GBV, as part of the Generation Equality Campaign.
The Special Rapporteur's recommendation for special emphasis to be placed on gender-based violence, domestic violence, and corruption demonstrates the linkage between GBV and corruption. Essential prevention and response services to GBV are greatly affected and undermined by corruption.
IDLO commends the Special Rapporteur for his cooperation and guidance over the past years and expresses its strong support to him in his mandate, as well as his report’s conclusions and recommendations.
Could the Special Rapporteur elaborate on ways in which to assist States in the functioning and operation of the administration of justice, in order to address the risks and threats of corruption, both in the short-term response and in the recovery phase?
Thank you.
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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.
