Human Rights Council – 47th session

Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers

28 June 2021

Australian Statement

Australia thanks the Special Rapporteur for his latest report. We welcome its focus on the impacts of the pandemic on judicial systems and their independence.

An independent and accessible judicial system, and the independence of judges and lawyers, are essential to the promotion and protection of human rights.

As the Special Rapporteur notes in his report, many states declared a state of emergency early in the COVID-19 pandemic. In this context, independent judiciaries have a central role to play in promoting and protecting human rights, including the right to freedom of expression, and contributing to the creation and maintenance of a safe and enabling environment in which civil society can operate.

Australia notes the Special Rapporteur’s observation that COVID-19 has undermined the functioning of judicial systems in many parts of the world, and the disproportionate impact this has had on people who may be vulnerable. We share the Special Rapporteur’s concern over the unacceptable increase of gender-based violence around the world during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Australia would appreciate the Special Rapporteur’s advice on how states can best ensure access to judicial services for survivors of gender-based violence during the pandemic?

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