Pro Bono

International Law

Human Rights Defenders Face Increased Threats

By Juan Ramirez

Attacks on lawyers, judges, human rights defenders, and journalists are not only growing around the world, but also such attacks are increasing in frequency and severity. Last year, Front Line Defenders, a Dublin-based organization with regional offices worldwide, documented the killing of more than 300 human rights defenders, with a sharp increase in Latin America during the past five years. Corruption and a lack of judicial independence and impartiality are among the barriers to accountability for the unlawful killing of activists and for the misuse of legal proceedings against human rights advocates. The ABA Center for Human Rights will be monitoring two high‑profile human rights cases that highlight the significance of these challenges: the criminal case of those accused of killing Berta Cáceres, an advocate for indigenous people’s rights in Honduras, and the criminal trial of Milena Quiroz, a Colombian activist charged with rebellion in apparent retaliation for her social movement activism.

Immigration

ABA expresses concerns about revisions proposed by ICE that would alter immigration detention standards

The ABA suggested changes Nov. 26 to draft revisions to national detention standards being considered by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), emphasizing that is essential that “all facilities housing immigration detainees are safe and protect detainees’ statutory and constitutional rights.”

Pro Bono

Thanksgiving in America

By Buck Lewis

Pro bono services are the gift that keeps on giving. Discover the impact of pro bono work and gratitude this season. Learn more about ABA Free Legal Answers and how to get involved in this convenient, online pro bono platform.

International Pro Bono