Ireland will be amongst the first countries to sign the world’s first international treaty designed to protect lawyers.
The Council of Europe says the Convention for the Protection of the Profession of Lawyer has been drawn up “to respond to increasing reports of attacks on the practice of the [legal] profession, whether in the form of harassment, threats or attacks, or interference with the exercise of professional duties.”
Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne TD, will be in Luxembourg this afternoon to sign on Ireland’s behalf.
At least eight countries, including six member states of the Council of Europe, must ratify it for the convention to enter into force.
The Council of Europe says lawyers play a key role in upholding the rule of law and securing access to justice so it is vital to protect them.
“Public confidence in justice systems also depends on the role played by lawyers”, the Council of Europe says.
Under the convention, lawyers’ entitlement to practise, professional rights and freedom of expression will be protected.
Council of Europe foreign ministers are gathering in Luxembourg today and tomorrow.
The Council of Europe is an international organisation founded in 1949 by a group of countries including Ireland. It now has 46 member countries from right across Europe including the UK, Iceland, Turkey and Ukraine.
Speaking ahead of the Committee of Ministers meeting, Minister Byrne said:
“The promotion and protection of human rights continues to be a cornerstone of Irish foreign policy and the Council of Europe provides a vital opportunity for Ireland to promote and defend the values of democracy, human rights and the rule of law. I look forward to engaging with fellow Ministers from across Europe on these issues during our meeting in Luxembourg.”