UIA-IROL calls for unity between judges and lawyers to uphold and defend their independence, as fundamental guarantees against arbitrary power

In recent years, UIA-IROL has followed with deep concern repeated cases of direct or indirect interference with judicial independence in many regions of the world. These threats, which spare no continent [1] and even undermine the very foundations of international justice [2] - reveal a common pattern of attacks against the independence of the judiciary. On the one hand, institutional mechanisms – such as partisan appointments or disciplinary reforms – are used to place judges under the control of the executive or legislative powers. On the other hand, strategies of intimidation – including public stigmatization, threats, or the misuse of the legal proceedings – seek to exert personal pressure on judges and prosecutors. Almost invariably, these measures concur with attacks on lawyers, bar associations and professional organizations, depriving citizens of a free and independent defense and weakening the rule of law.

These erosions share a common objective: to undermine the independence of judges and lawyers, and thus to restrain the capacity of law itself to serve as a safeguard against arbitrary power.

Judges and lawyers therefore share a common destiny. Together, they must reaffirm, defend and promote their respective independence, which is inseparable from the very idea of impartial justice and the protection of fundamental rights. UIA-IROL therefore calls upon judges and lawyers to take all necessary measures to further strengthen dialogue between their professions.

As reaffirmed in its declaration marking the 40th anniversary of the Basic Principles on the Independence of the Judiciary [3], UIA-IROL will continue to firmly advocate that States must comply with their international obligations, and establish and safeguard the conditions necessary for judges, and all other actors within the judiciary, to perform their duties with full independence, free from political interference and protected from attacks, threats, harassment, or any other form of intimidation related to their judicial functions.

UIA-IROL expresses its solidarity with all judges who have shown and continue to show courage and determination in preserving their independence and defending the fundamental principles of their profession. UIA-IROL stands ready to cooperate with members of the judiciary, and in particular with the International Association of Judges, in any initiative aimed at strengthening and safeguarding judicial independence, thereby ensuring that justice remains a pillar of the rule of law and continues to fully uphold its role in the protection of fundamental rights.

See Statement 

See Statement 

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[1] See in particular, France, Poland, Tunisia, Philippines, etc.
[2] See the UIA-IROL statements issued in February 2025 and September 2025.
[3] See statement https://www.uianet.org/fr/actions/statement-40th-anniversary-basic-principles-independence-judiciary