News Archives - International Legal Assistance Consortium

Judicial Nominations in Guatemala: Pockets of Resistance in a Closing Space

October 11, 2019

ILAC Policy Brief #2

A lot is at stake with the ongoing judicial nominations in Guatemala considering so much ground has already been lost for the rule of law.

Guatemala’s Congress was slated to elect an entirely new judiciary in mid-October of this year. The judicial elections are occurring in the shadows of the United Nations-backed International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG) being forced to leave and in the middle of rapid rule of law backsliding. Nevertheless, Guatemala’s Constitutional Court has pushed back and proven to be a “pocket of resistance” in a closing space for civil society and the justice sector.

This brief examines the judicial nominations process and makes recommendations for more fair and impartial judicial nominations and elections.

Download the policy brief here.

Authors: Jaime Chávez Alor (Latin America Policy Manager at Cyrus R. Vance Center for International Justice) and Lauren McIntosh (Legal Officer at ILAC).

New ILAC Report: Still Looking for Justice in Liberia

October 9, 2019

CUSTOMARY LAW, THE COURTS AND ACCESS TO JUSTICE IN LIBERIA

Photo: David Isaksson

Read the report here

The International Legal Assistance Consortium (ILAC) today released a new report entitled Still Looking for Justice: Customary Law, the Courts and Access to Justice in Liberia.

In its report, ILAC examines the role of justice providers in Liberia. Under the country’s dual legal system, this includes both customary authorities applying traditional rules to resolve minor crimes and civil disputes in rural areas and the formal judiciary, which applies statutory law and enjoys general countrywide jurisdiction.

These actors collectively play a key role in prevention and resolution of local conflicts that could trigger broader unrest. However, Liberia’s legacy of conflict and fragility pose continuing challenges to the ability of justice providers to fulfil their preventive potential.

[Read more…]

Beyond the ballot-box … Populism and polarisation

October 4, 2019

Blog piece by Ulrika Nilsson

On the 15^th September Tunisians took to the polls in their second free and fair Presidential election since the revolution in 2011. Just as earlier polls had indicated, the vote came out in favour of two populist but polar opposite candidates, both representing a rejection of the establishment and political stalemate. Nabil Karoui, the media mogul often cited as Tunisia’s Silvio Berlusconi, won 15.5% of the vote. Kaïs Saïed, a constitutional law professor nicknamed ‘Robocop’ for his monotone use of classical Arabic in speeches, won 19.5%.

[Read more…]

The Center for Justice & Accountability Joins ILAC

October 3, 2019

ILAC is pleased to welcome the Center For Justice and Accountability (CJA) as one of our newest member organisations. CJA was elected to join ILAC in May 2019 at our Annual General Meeting in London, United Kingdom.

Founded in 1998, CJA is a US-based non-governmental organisation dedicated to deterring torture, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and other severe human rights abuses committed around the world through innovative litigation, policy, and transitional justice strategies.

[Read more…]

It’s the institutions, stupid

September 25, 2019

Blog piece Richard Sannerholm

Sustainable Development Goal 16 has been identified both as an outcome and an enabler of sustainable development[i]. It is not only intuitively appealing but also empirically correct. Try as we might we can’t do without institutions, and if we want to do well – develop sustainably – we can’t do without institutions with specific qualities.

[Read more…]

SDG 16: The rule of law at a crossroads

September 24, 2019

ILAC Policy Brief #1

Although Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG 16) recognises that the rule of law is fundamental to sustainable development, the rule of law is at a crossroads. The formulation of SDG 16 takes a narrow view of the rule of law. This is particularly worrying during the current wave of autocratisation and closing space for institutions. It is time for rule of law actors to lead the rule of law down the right path by tackling the bigger principles neglected by SDG 16.

This brief discusses the formulation of SDG 16 and the resulting dangers of the Goal as a rule of law report card, and calls on rule of law actors to tackle fighting for the independence of institutions.

Download the Policy Brief here

Author: Lauren McIntosh (Legal Officer at ILAC)

David Miliband and the International Rescue Committee to Receive 2019 Stockholm Human Rights Award

September 2, 2019

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ILAC’s 2019 Annual General Meeting Examines the Closing Space for the Judiciary

June 20, 2019

Participants of the ILAC 2019 AGM at the Law Society in London. Photo: ILAC

On 30-31 May, ILAC held its 2019 Annual General Meeting (AGM) in London, UK, hosted by The Law Society of England and Wales. The meeting focused on the global trend of closing space for the judiciary and the challenges of implementing Sustainable Development Goal 16 of the 2030 Agenda. [Read more…]

World Justice Project Becomes Newest Member Organisation of ILAC

June 14, 2019

ILAC is pleased to welcome the World Justice Project as one of our rule of law member organisations. Represented by Joel Martinez, Engagement Director of the World Justice Project’s, the organisation was elected to join ILAC at our 2019 Annual General Meeting, recently hosted by our member The Law Society in London, United Kingdom. [Read more…]

In Memoriam: Sandy D’Alemberte, Legal Titan and Supporter of the Rule of Law

June 11, 2019

Photo: Florida State University

On May 20 the legal world lost a legal titan and steadfast supporter of the Rule of Law when Talbot “Sandy” D’Alemberte, former member of the ILAC Executive Committee member, passed away, at age 85.

D’Alemberte was a respected American lawyer, educator, human rights champion, access to justice advocate, and citizen of the world. [Read more…]

International Criminal Justice Expert, Dr Mark Ellis, Awarded ILAC Lifetime Membership

June 7, 2019

Dr Mark Ellis receives ILAC Lifetime Membership Award from ILAC President, Elizabeth Howe, and ILAC Executive Director, Agneta Johansson. Photo: ILAC

It was Dr Mark Ellis, together with other ILAC founder members, who held the vision that led to the creation of ILAC, being an organisation that could coordinate and manage the activities of legal assistance organisations to be more effective in the re-establishment of the rule of law in war-torn countries.

[Read more…]

ILAC Revisits Liberia for a New Assessment with an Access to Justice Lens

May 22, 2019

Photo: ILAC

Last month ILAC officially returned to Liberia in order to conduct a new assessment on access to justice in Liberia. The new report will examine the role of a spectrum of actors that contribute to resolving disputes in Liberia. This includes the judges, prosecutors and lawyers that comprise the formal justice system, as well as traditional and customary authorities that resolve many disputes in rural parts of the country. [Read more…]

Beyond Legal Reforms: How to Ensure Gender Equality?

May 15, 2019

Oftentimes when I lecture on human rights, which includes women’s rights, I explain to my students that the achievement of human rights and gender equality is a process rather than a fixed result. The struggle to achieve the fulfilment of human rights is a means to an end, rather than an end in itself. Swedish Foreign Minister, [Read more…]

Conference to Advance International Rule of Law Support Held in Tunisia

April 26, 2019

On 2-4 April, ILAC held an internal conference in Tunisia to discuss ways to advance the design, management and evaluation of its projects and rule of law support. ILAC and member organisations implementing ILAC’s Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and Syria Programmes met to discuss ways to develop adaptive management approaches to ILAC programming and to increase the flexibility and effectiveness of our projects. [Read more…]

Engaging Tunisian Judges to Guarantee Respect for Economic, Social and Cultural Rights

April 11, 2019

Photo: ILAC

When Mohamed Bouazizi set himself on fire nine years ago after he was refused an audience with the governor’s office in the rural town of Sidi Bouzid to reclaim his vegetable cart, initially confiscated by the police, he inspired riots across Tunisia. The protests saw people demanding a solution to the high unemployment rates, long-standing inequality, corruption, poor living conditions and a absence of political freedom. [Read more…]

Cuban legal professionals participate in an exchange on sustainable development and rule of law in Sweden

February 22, 2019

A delegation of four Cuban legal professionals from the National Union of Jurists of Cuba (UNJC) participated in an exchange in Stockholm, Sweden last week on sustainable development and rule of law.

Organised by ILAC and the Swedish Bar Association, the topics discussed during the exchange included corporate responsibility and governance, trade and investment in Sweden, business and the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 agenda, rule of law and the Swedish legal environment, fight against bribery, corruption and money laundering, preventing discrimination and how legal academics work. [Read more…]

ILAC Calls for Support for the Guatemalan Judiciary Amid Threats to Constitutional Court

January 18, 2019

© Wikimedia Commons

Haga clic aquí para leer el comunicado en español

Based on the findings of its recent assessment report on Guatemala, the International Legal Assistance Consortium (ILAC) expresses its concern that recent efforts to prosecute Constitutional Court justices for the legal opinions they have expressed in the exercise of their duties place the justice system and rule of law in Guatemala on the verge of collapse. [Read more…]

Judge Buergenthal Calls on Human Rights Education at 2018 Stockholm Human Rights Award Ceremony

December 11, 2018

Judge Thomas Buergenthal speaking at 2018 Stockholm Human Rights Award © Tomas Knutson

The 10th Stockholm Human Rights Award honoured judge and professor of law Thomas Buergenthal at a ceremony held in Stockholm, Sweden, on November 20. Having devoted his career to the protection, promotion and teaching of human rights and international law, judge Buergenthal highlighted the importance of a comprehensive and intelligent nationwide programme on human rights education as the solution to defeat endemic human rights violations. [Read more…]

Law Society of England and Wales Hosts United Kingdom Launch of ILAC Guatemala Justice Sector Assessment Report

November 22, 2018

On 06 November, ILAC member organisation the Law Society of England and Wales arranged a UK launch for the new ILAC assessment report on the justice system in Guatemala. The public seminar brought together legal practitioners, law students, academics and NGO expertise on Guatemala and Latin America for a well-attended and wide-ranging discussion of the report.

Read report in English | Lea el informe en español

[Read more…]

What is Happening in Guatemala? Conversation with this 2018 Right Livelihood Prize Laureates and ILAC

November 12, 2018

Iván Velásquez, head of UN-backed International Committee against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG) and Thelma Aldana, former Guatemalan Attorney General. ©Oficina de Comunicaciones CICIG

Date: Friday, November 23, 2018

Time: 10:30 – 12:00

Location: Sida, Valhallavägen 199, Stockholm

Sign up here by November 16th

In collaboration with Sida and the Right Livelihood Foundation, ILAC will participate on a public discussion on the challenges Guatemala currently faces in its struggle against corruption and impunity. [Read more…]

ILAC Presents Main Challenges for Guatemala’s Fight for Justice at Report Launch in the Washington DC

November 6, 2018

ILAC Guatemala Assessment Mission experts Luis Maria Palma, Carolina Valenzuela and Rhodri Williams present the report in Washington DC. ⓒ Hope Ann Roberts

Rule of law practitioners, ambassadors and experts on Latin America joined ILAC for the launch of its report on the Guatemalan justice sector in Washington DC last month. The launch was organised by ILAC member the American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative and hosted by another member, the International Association of Women Judges.

Read report in English |Lea el informe en español | Watch the launch here

[Read more…]

Public Launch of ILAC Guatemala Assessment in Washington D.C. Today at 14h30

October 10, 2018

The International Legal Assistance Consortium will initiate the public launch of its report on the Guatemalan justice sector today in Washington, D.C at 14h30 (Washington DC local time). The report, which is available in English and in Spanish, describes the challenges Guatemala faces in building greater respect for the rule of law and sets out recommendations to assist national actors and international partners in this effort. [Read more…]

Civil Rights Advocate Receives ILAC Lifetime Membership Award

October 8, 2018

Advocate for fundamental and civil rights, Mr Bennazar is a founding member of ILAC and former Board of Directors member.

Juan Bennazar has been an active and valued voice within ILAC since its inception. Our Consortium now counts as members over 50 professional legal organisations and experts from all over the world, reflecting a wide-range of legal expertise and competencies which can be drawn upon to help rebuild justice systems in countries that are fragile or conflict-affected. A passionate defender of the rule of law, Juan has contributed extensively and importantly towards ILAC’s achievements over the past 17 years. Juan’s sharp mind and quick wit together with his unfailing sense of humour and traditional Spanish courtesy have always been much appreciated by his colleagues within ILAC. [Read more…]

Guatemala’s Protracted Rule of Law Crisis: Launch of ILAC’s Report on Justice and Accountability in Guatemala

October 4, 2018

Date: Wednesday, 10 October 2018
Time: 2:30 pm-4:00 pm, registration will begin at 2:00 pm
Venue: International Association of Women Judges
1800 Massachusetts Ave NW Suite 401, Washington, DC 20036

RSVP here | Share on Twitter | Read the report here

[Read more…]

Human Rights Advocate Judge Thomas Buergenthal Announced 2018 Stockholm Human Rights Award Laureate

October 3, 2018

Judge Thomas Buergenthal is announced 2018 Stockholm Human Rights Award laureate

Stockholm, Sweden

Holocaust survivor and human rights advocate judge Thomas Buergenthal is announced today as the 2018 Stockholm Human Rights Award laureate. Having devoted his career to the protection and promotion of human rights and international law, Judge Buergenthal will be honoured at a ceremony in Stockholm, Sweden on 20 November 2018. The award is given in recognition of work advancing international justice and strengthening respect for human rights. [Read more…]

ILAC Supports Calls for Guatemala to Recommit to the International Commission Against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG)

September 11, 2018

Stockholm, Sweden

Based on the findings of its recent assessment report on Guatemala, the International Legal Assistance Consortium (ILAC) calls on the Government of Guatemala to demonstrate its commitment to overcoming corruption and impunity by reaffirming its support for the work of the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG) under its current Commissioner, Mr. Iván Velásquez.

[Read more…]

Nuevo Informe de ILAC: El Sector Justicia Guatemalteco en la Larga Sombra del Conflicto

September 5, 2018

Estocolmo, Suecia

El International Legal Assistance Consortium (ILAC) publicó hoy la versión en español del informe que examina la situación de la judicatura y el ministerio público fiscal en Guatemala. El Informe de Evaluación del Estado de Derecho de ILAC sobre Guatemala proporciona una línea de base a los esfuerzos para analizar el estado de derecho en Guatemala, incluyendo los desafíos para hacer justicia por los crímenes cometidos durante el conflicto armado interno de 1960-1996, disputas sobre tierras y recursos naturales, criminalización de protestas, discriminación contra las mujeres y personas LGBTI, y marginación de las comunidades indígenas.

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Champion of Human Rights Law Receives ILAC Lifetime Membership Award

August 29, 2018

Dr Rodger Chongwe at 2018 ILAC Annual General Meeting

I first came to know of Rodger Chongwe in 1997; he had been shot in the head by paramilitary police in his home country, Zambia. Rodger was at that time the Chairman of a coalition of opposition parties that was campaigning to rein in the corrupt practices of the President and Government; Rodger had been the Justice Minister in that Government and had remonstrated with the President, at first in private and later in cabinet, about unconstitutional and illegal actions; eventually Rodger felt he could not in good conscience remain in post, he resigned and continued to campaign publically for Presidential probity and integrity. [Read more…]

Tunisia at the Crossroads – Rule of Law Assistance During a Political Crisis

August 3, 2018

Blog piece by Shane Quinn

As Tunisia steadily moves forwards with its decentralisation reform, there is an onus on administrative justice institutions to ensure that they can maintain the pace in terms of organisation, responsiveness and accountability. Building or reforming institutional capability in politically shaky settings is not easy at the best of times – doing so on the back of a revolution under the inscrutable and watchful eye of an informed and demanding population adds vital momentum. And so it should be. Yet, the pace of reform has been slow even if the stakes are high. [Read more…]

ILAC in 2017: Annual Report Available Online

July 4, 2018

In 2017, we celebrated our fifteenth year as a Consortium, reconfirming our vision and mission as well as setting our strategic priorities for the next five years.

Since we were founded, our Consortium has gathered over 50 professional legal organisations and experts from all over the world that reflect a wide-range of legal expertise and competencies which can be drawn upon to help rebuild justice systems in countries that are fragile or conflict-affected. [Read more…]

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