Scottish Bar International Human Rights Award launched

A new award to honour men and women overseas who champion human rights in the most challenging of circumstances is being launched by the Faculty of Advocates.

The winner of the Scottish Bar International Human Rights Award will be invited to Edinburgh for a week to share experience and expertise with members of Faculty and others who work to uphold the rule of law and protect human rights.

Latest figures suggest that around the world, more than 300 human rights defenders are murdered each year, and a survey found that fundamental human rights have diminished in two-thirds of 130 countries surveyed.

Shelagh McCall, QC, Convenor of the Faculty’s Human Rights and Rule of Law Committee, said: “When Scottish lawyers take up the challenge of defending human rights, we are fortunate that we do so in a mature and well-developed legal system that respects the rule of law. In many other countries, human rights lawyers are victims of violence, intimidation, harassment, smear campaigns and surveillance.

“Despite that, human rights lawyers and defenders achieve remarkable outcomes. They play a key role in upholding the rule of law by representing local communities and victims of alleged mass human rights violations in areas of armed conflict, social unrest, persecution of minorities or environmental conflicts.

“!t is important to recognise these achievements and the bonds of solidarity and respect that exist between lawyers globally who work upholding human rights and the rule of law.”

You can find out more about the Award and how to apply here.

 

 

 

Image credit: Timothy West, Flickr