HRC62 - EU Statement - Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers
UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL
62nd session
Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers
25 June 2026
EU statement
Mr/Madam Chair,
The European Union thanks the Special Rapporteur for her report.
The EU emphasizes that an independent and impartial judiciary as well as an independent legal profession are indispensable for the full and equal realization of human rights, and to the functioning of democracy and the rule of law.
Procedures governing the selection, appointment, promotion and removal of judges are structural safeguards of judicial independence. The EU concurs that judicial selection processes should be based on objective, merit-based and pre-established criteria, incorporate integrity screening and safeguards to ensure impartiality, and be applied in a manner that eliminates both direct and indirect discrimination and bias, while promoting diversity, gender equality and representativeness of the society it serves.
Moreover, the selection process must also be transparent at key stages of the process, rely on structured and fair assessment methods and provide effective mechanisms for challenging irregularities.
The respect for human rights, democracy and the rule of law are among the EU’s founding values, therefore strengthening and supporting the independence, impartiality and integrity of the judicial system is essential. Any act of violence or threats of violence, or any form of intimidation, reprisals, coercion or inappropriate interference against judges, prosecutors or lawyers should be duly investigated and addressed.
Madam Special Rapporteur,
Could you elaborate on good practices that States or regional organizations have implemented to protect lawyers from harassment, reprisals, or undue restrictions, particularly when they represent clients in politically sensitive cases?
Thank you.