The first international treaty aiming to protect lawyers from attacks on their practice has passed a new hurdle. The 46-member Council of Europe this week formally adopted the Council of Europe Convention for the Protection of the Profession of Lawyer. The Convention addresses entitlement to practise, professional rights, freedom of expression, professional discipline and specific protective measures for lawyers and professional associations.
Under the convention, states must ensure that lawyers can carry out their professional duties without being the target of any form of physical attack, threat, harassment or intimidation or any improper hindrance or interference. Where such circumstances could amount to a criminal offence, parties must conduct an effective investigation. Parties must also ensure that professional associations can operate as independent, self-governing bodies.
The convention will be opened for signature on 13 May, at the Council of Europe Foreign Affairs ministers’ meeting in Luxembourg.
At least eight countries, including six member states of the Council of Europe, must ratify it for it to enter into force. Compliance with the convention will be monitored by an expert group and a committee of the parties.
