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April 05, 2021

Statement of ABA President Patricia Lee Refo Re: Marking Lawyers’ Day in Turkey

WASHINGTON, April 5, 2021 – The American Bar Association joins lawyers and other legal professionals in Turkey and around the world in celebrating April 5 as Lawyers’ Day in Turkey.

The Union of Turkish Bar Associations has set aside April 5 each year to honor Turkey’s lawyers and the vital role they and other legal professionals play in promoting the rule of law and in safeguarding the rights of the country’s citizens. The unique role of lawyers and other legal professionals in Turkey and around the globe is reflected in the protections recognized under international law, including the United Nations Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers, the U.N. Basic Principles on the Independence of the Judiciary, the U.N. Guidelines on the Role of Prosecutors, and the U.N. Declaration on Human Rights Defenders.  

On this occasion, the ABA reiterates its support for the professional independence of our colleagues in Turkey.

The ABA is the largest voluntary association of lawyers in the world. As the national voice of the legal profession, the ABA works to improve the administration of justice, promotes programs that assist lawyers and judges in their work, accredits law schools, provides continuing legal education, and works to build public understanding around the world of the importance of the rule of law. View our privacy statement online. Follow the latest ABA news at www.americanbar.org/news and on Twitter @ABANews.