At its World Congress, the ICJ adopted the Declaration and Plan of Action on Upholding the Rule of Law and the Role of Judges and Lawyers in Times of Crisis.
The Declaration reaffirms the essential role of judges and lawyers in safeguarding the Rule of Law and human rights during a range of crises, including public emergencies, armed conflict, political instability, terrorism and social, economic or financial upheaval.
It sets out 13 fundamental principles, which reflect fundamental and well recognized Rule of Law and human rights standards, to be upheld by governments and the legal community in crisis situations.
These include protection of the independence of judges and lawyers, and guarantees of fair administration of justice, including the right to a fair trial and effective remedy
ICJ Declaration and Plan of Action-Position papers-2008-Eng (full text, PDF)
ICJ Declaration and Plan of Action-Position papers-2008-French (full text, PDF)
ICJ Declaration and Plan of Action-Position papers-2008-Spanish (full text, PDF)