The UIA Condemns the Attacks against Several Lebanese Lawyers on February 5, 2016

The UIA has been informed of the attacks perpetrated against several Lebanese lawyers on February 5, 2016.

It understands that the attacks took place at a time when the lawyers concerned were fulfilling their duties and while they were apparently getting ready to inform their clients of the criminal charge levied against them. Therefore, they were apparently attacked precisely because they were lawyers and because of their actions within the context of discharging their functions.

The UIA wishes to recall and emphasize that lawyers and counsel must be provided protection while discharging their functions.

The Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers, adopted by the UN in 1989, recall that as essential agents of the administration of justice and the defence of citizens’ rights, they must be provided special protection.

These principles form part of the instruments for the protection of fundamental rights as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenants on Civil and Political Rights, as well as Economic and Social Rights, signed in New York in 1977. They implement the protections of the latter covenant with regard to the specific situation of lawyers.

The Basic Principles stipulate, in particular, that “Governments shall ensure that lawyers (a) are able to perform all of their professional functions without intimidation, hindrance, harassment or improper interference; (b) are able to travel and to consult with their clients freely both within their own country and abroad; and (c) shall not suffer, or be threatened with, prosecution or administrative, economic or other sanctions for any action taken in accordance with recognized professional duties, standards and ethics” (Principle 16).

They also stipulate that “Where the security of lawyers is threatened as a result of discharging their functions, they shall be adequately safeguarded by the authorities.” (Principle 17).

The UIA would therefore like to underline the obligation incumbent upon the Lebanese authorities to guarantee lawyers’ the above-mentioned rights and take the necessary measures for their protection.

The UIA further underlines the obligation of Lebanese authorities to institute an inquiry into the acts committed, initiate proceedings against the perpetrators and grant the victims adequate compensation, all within the framework of compliance with the right to fair trial and the separation of powers.

The UIA offers its solidarity to the Beirut Bar and supports it in its protests against the tragic incidents that have taken place.