The Role of Bar Associations in Protecting the Rule of Law and the Independence of the Judiciary
The Rule of law and the independence of the Judiciary are constantly threatened by political interference in the judiciary and the gradual weakening of institutions in various regions of the world. At the same time, society requires greater awareness of its legal rights to defend these fundamental principles. In this context, bar associations play a crucial role, not only as representatives of the legal community but also as key actors in the protection and strengthening of justice and democratic order.

The European Convention on the Profession of Lawyer
On 12 March 2025, the Committee of Ministers adopted the Council of Europe Convention for the Protection of the Profession of Lawyer, which opened for signature on 13 May 2025. This is a landmark achievement as the first binding international instrument dedicated to protecting the independence of the legal profession. To date, 18 countries have signed the Convention, which will come into effect three months after eight countries – to include six member States of the Council of Europe – have ratified it. Once in force, it will be possible for non-member States of the Council of Europe to join, extending the potential protective reach of the Convention internationally.

Initiatives and projects of Law Societies and Bar Associations for the protection of lawyers at risk  (report of the meeting of the International Bar Leaders’ Senate in London in June 2025)
Many Bars Associations and Law Societies around the world are undertaking international initiatives and projects for the protection of lawyers at risk or under threat or being persecuted by governments or other governmental or judicial authorities for discharging their legal duties and responsibilities or pursuing their profession. How can the UIA help bring all these initiatives together to find synergies between them?