Press release: For a free and independent defence before the International Criminal Court

The International Criminal Court is tasked with judging the gravest of crimes.
It must perform its duty in an exemplary manner, notably with respect to the rights of the defence.

The bar associations and international associations of lawyers express strong reservations about the creation of an association illegitimately named “International Criminal Court Bar Association.”

This association :

- Is created under the influence of the Registrar of the International Criminal Court

- Creates discrimination among lawyers by instituting the payment of dues

- Does not respect the independence of lawyers, and thus the rights of defendants

- Does not assure the protection of lawyers by bars and law societies, as the lawyers of the defence will be under the disciplinary regime of this association.  

The legitimization of such an association by the organs of the ICC would discredit their very institution.

Henceforth, the bar associations and undersigned organisations call on all lawyers not to join and to contest the legitimacy of such an association.

The bar associations and undersigned organisations call for the creation of a strong and independent association, guarantor of the rights of the defence and respectful of the core principles underlying the legal profession in all democratic states.

Union Internationale des Avocats (UIA)

Barreau de Paris

AVOCATS.BE

Fédération des Barreaux d’Europe (FBE)

Conférence des Barreaux des États Membres de l’OHADA

Conseil des Barreaux Européens (CCBE)