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. Thereby the Special Rapporteur refers to the Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers.