The present HRW letter dated 17 April 2011 expresses dismay at the Ministry of Social Affairs’ decision to dissolve the elected board of the UAEs’ Jurist Association and to replace its members with state appointees as well as the 27 October 2011 decision to renew the government-appointed board for another six months. It reiterates the independence of judges and lawyers as an essential requirement for the protection of human rights and the rule of law and reiterates that such independence can not be guaranteed if judges and lawyers do not enjoy, like other citizens, freedom of expression, association and assembly. Supporting arguments draw attention to the UN Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers.
The present HRW letter dated 17 April 2011 expresses dismay at the Ministry of Social Affairs’ decision to dissolve the elected board of the UAEs’ Jurist Association and to replace its members with state appointees as well as the 27 October 2011 decision to renew the government-appointed board for another six months. It reiterates the independence of judges and lawyers as an essential requirement for the protection of human rights and the rule of law and reiterates that such independence can not be guaranteed if judges and lawyers do not enjoy, like other citizens, freedom of expression, association and assembly. Supporting arguments draw attention to the UN Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers.
