WASHINGTON, Dec. 6, 2021 — The American Bar Association Center for Global Programs will be holding a two-day virtual Summit for Democracy Dec. 8 and 10. The Center for Global Programs, which is comprised of the ABA Center for Human Rights and the ABA Rule of Law Initiative, will feature judges, lawyers, and human rights defenders at the frontlines of advancing democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
Wednesday, Dec. 8, from 3-5 p.m. EST:
What:
Summit for Democracy — Judicial Independence
and the Rule of Law Sponsored by the Center for Global Programs
Where: Online
Registration link: https://americanbar.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Noai0fsZSsajvNE-4SkTqw
This kickoff event will feature judges and legal experts from the front lines around the world to discuss the importance of judicial independence to the rule of law, which is indispensable to democracy. The panelists will identify threats to independent judiciaries and highlight advocacy efforts to strengthen these crucial institutions.
This program is divided into two parts. In part one, panelists describe current threats to judicial independence and courts serving as impartial tribunals to hold governments accountable for the transparent enforcement of rights. Panelists scheduled to attend include Justice Richard Goldstone (South Africa), Judge Dariusz Mazur (Poland), Judge Erika Aifán (Guatemala) and Judge Murat Durmaz (Turkey).
In part two, rule of law heroes will share their insights into protecting and preserving judicial independence and identify how the international community can support their efforts. Heroes to be honored include Justice Conchita Carpio Morales (Philippines), Judge Qinisile Mabuza (Eswatini), Judge Gresa Caka Nimani (Kosovo), Judge Elvira María Álvarez Olazábal (Peru), and Kamel Ayadi (Tunisia).
Friday, Dec. 10, from 3-5 p.m. EST
What:
Summit for Democracy — Lawyers, Human
Rights Defenders, and the Rule of Law
Sponsored by the Center for Global Programs
Where: Online
Registration link: https://americanbar.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_VJ93eRT-SI6L8dwfFls3L
This second event features lawyers and human rights defenders from the front lines around the world to discuss the importance of an independent legal profession, which is indispensable to protecting human dignity. The panelists will identify threats to human rights advocacy and highlight efforts to combat these threats.
In part one of the program, panelists will describe current threats to an independent legal profession and the transparent enforcement of legal rights. Panelists include Hina Jilani (Pakistan), David Asatiani (Georgia), Fatma Karume (Tanzania), Sima Samar (Afghanistan), and Paula Ávila-Guillén (Colombia and El Salvador).
In part two, rule of law heroes will share their insights into protecting and enforcing human rights and identify how the international community can support their efforts. Heroes to be honored include Alex Kaung Myat Ahkar (Burma), Eron Kiiza (Uganda), Alfonso Carrillo (Guatemala), Intigam Aliyev (Azerbaijan), Liudmila Kazak (Belarus), and Chawki Tabib (Tunisia).
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