The report of the Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers examines the need for continuing education in international human rights law for magistrates, judges, prosecutors, public defenders and lawyers. The report begins by stressing the interconnected nature of the rule of law, democracy, the principle of separation of powers and the independence of the judiciary and the independence and impartiality of magistrates and judges. It refers to efforts that have already been undertaken by organs of the international community to identify the need for continuing legal education and training to enable magistrates, judges and lawyers to apply international human rights standards, norms and principles in the consideration of domestic cases. Special reference is made to Principles 9, 12 13, 14 and 15 in paragraph 31: “The Special Rapporteur would like to point out that Principle 9 of the Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers provides that Governments must ensure that lawyers have appropriate education and training,13 so as to be able to exercise the rights and duties set out in Principles 12, to 15, consisting primarily in advising and protecting the rights of their clients and in upholding the cause of justice.”