The result of work carried out since the adoption of a Recommendation by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in 2018, the first-ever international treaty aiming to protect the profession of lawyer was adopted on Wednesday 12 March by the Organisation’s Committee of Ministers.
Its objective is to respond to the growing number of reports of harassment, threats or attacks, or interference with the exercise of professional duties (for example, obstacles to access to clients).
The provisions of the new Convention aim to consolidate the profession by ensuring that any infringement of its status or of the individual practice of law is considered an infringement of international law.
It applies to lawyers and their associations, emphasising the fundamental role of this profession in upholding the rule of law and in securing access to justice for all, including those who claim to be victims of human rights violations.
The Convention will be open for signature on 13 May, when the Council of Europe Foreign Affairs Ministers meet in Luxembourg.
Its entry into force will require the signatures of at least eight countries, including six member States of the Council of Europe.
A committee made up of experts and representatives of the States Parties will follow this up.
Link to the Convention: https://aeur.eu/f/fwx (Original version in French by Véronique Leblanc)