Rule of Law Webathon Week 2023

Online

15 May 2023 - 19 May 2023


Monday 15 May 2023

14:00 » 15:30 Economic Crisis and Rebuilding: Investing in the Rule of Law
12:00 GMT // 14:00 CEST // 8:00 EDT
Register: https://aija-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_LQ4FrgP0SSavqE4VGt3joQ 
Hosted by: International Association of Young Lawyers (AIJA)

Economic crisis can have detrimental impacts on human rights protections and social solidarity. The pandemic has demonstrated that an economic crisis can hit unexpectedly, indistinctly, and unequally. We must invest in the rule of law for economic recovery efforts to successfully build back better for the long-term and to be more resilient to future economic shocks. This session will look at how rule of law-affirming approaches are advancing sustainable economic prosperity, social inclusion, access to justice, and protection of human rights even during economic uncertainty and rebuilding.

Moderator:
  • Clara Poglia, Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd, Switzerland

Speakers:

  • Monisha Cheong, WongPartnership LLP, Singapore
  • Khushboo Shahdadpuri, Al Tamimi & Company, Singapore
  • Neuza Melao Dias, FBL Advogados, Angola
  • Georgios Fasfalis, Linklaters, Netherlands
16:00 » 17:30 Environment, Conflicts, and Climate Change: Resilient Rule of Law
14:00 GMT // 16:00 CEST // 10:00AM EDT
Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_xsx9yqlARpqDUxWfpHut-w 
Hosted by: Inter-American Bar Association (IABA)

Environmental degradation and competition over scarce natural resources can directly cause and exacerbate the root causes of social conflicts and wars, driving greater environmental damage and undermining prospects for peace. These forces can also threaten our societal infrastructures and violate basic human rights, such as the right to clean air and water, adequate nutritious food, a healthy environment, and a stable global climate. This panel will reflect on how the rule of law is an essential component of good environmental governance. Our panelists will discuss human rights and environmental due diligence, access to effective remedies, and conflict prevention and peacebuilding.

Tuesday 16 May 2023

15:00 » 16:30 Surveillance Spyware Technologies Raise Alarm Bells
13:00 GMT // 15:00 CEST // 9:00AM EDT
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_itdNdhsTT46mTkZjNYtgtg 
Hosted by: International Association of Lawyers (UIA)

Surveillance spyware technologies are gaining popularity around the world to support countering terrorism and crime. Yet, surveillance spyware is raising alarm bells due to the misuse and abuse of these technologies. Abusive and illegitimate surveillance by governments has been used to target journalists, human rights defenders, lawyers, and politicians. Our panel of legal professionals and experts will discuss the emergent legal challenges and will offer their perspectives on future directions to help ensure that these technologies are used in a manner consistent with their intended purpose, while upholding human rights, accountability, transparency, and the rule of law.
18:00 » 19:30 Upholding the Rule of Law in Times of Armed Conflict: Acting in the Present, Preparing for the Future
16:00 GMT // 18:00 CEST // 12:00PM EDT
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_bxJj9W9IRSGg87vbuZRDNQ 
Hosted by: International Association of Lawyers (UIA)

Over the past years, armed conflicts and violence worldwide have increased, creating extensive humanitarian emergencies and straining regional and global responses to worsening security situations. In most cases, serious violations of international law are reportedly committed. As Russia’s war on Ukraine has demonstrated, effectively addressing both State and individual criminal responsibility in such cases requires a deep understanding of the complex international law issues, including mechanisms for accountability. Panelists will discuss how the rule of law is an essential pillar and necessary to prevent, repress, and redress serious violations of human rights law and grave breaches of international law, including war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, and the crime of aggression, all with the goal of ensuring peace and security.

Wednesday 17 May 2023

17:00 » 18:30 Combatting Human Trafficking and Modern-Day Slavery through the Rule of Law
@ 15:00 GMT // 17:00 CEST // 11:00AM EDT
Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_NXW1KDyQSH6e0fIIV9llNg 
Hosted by: Inter-American Bar Association (IABA)

A strong rule of law system is crucial for combatting and eradicating forced labor, modern-day slavery, and human trafficking. According to the International Labour Organization, almost 50 million people were the victims of such exploitation in 2021. Panelists will discuss efforts being taken by the legal community to strengthen global, national, and local norms and institutional capacities to combat these crimes, end impunity, and get justice for victims. Learn how lawyers are working with clients on ending these practices in global supply chains and how you can become involved in initiatives of bar associations and other organizations to help in this fight through prevention, protection, prosecution, and partnerships.
19:00 » 20:30 Counterterrorism, Human Rights, and the Rule of Law
17:00 GMT // 19:00 CEST // 1:00PM EDT
Register: https://americanbar.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_MqtSD96FQmeCX_bhFDqfHw 
Hosted by: American Bar Association International Law Section (ABA ILS) and International Commission of Jurists (www.icj.org)

Counterterrorism measures and the promotion of human rights do not conflict, but are complementary and mutually reinforcing goals. Yet, countries increasingly have been using vague or overly broad counterterrorism and anti-money laundering laws to target human rights defenders and civil society organizations. Join us as we discuss the importance of respecting human rights, the rule of law, and legitimate security imperatives while countering terrorism. Learn about initiatives focused on advancing effective laws, due process safeguards, gender-sensitive approaches, transparency, accountability, and the rule of law.

Thursday 18 May 2023

17:00 » 18:30 Universal Declaration of Human Rights
15:00 GMT // 17:00 CEST // 11:00AM EDT
Register: https://americanbar.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_B7SiiGAtQEa8_nUH7MTyfg 
Hosted by: American Bar Association International Law Section (ABA ILS)

Join us as we celebrate this year’s 75th Anniversary of Universal Declaration of Human Rights and its influence on the protection of human rights, freedoms, and justice through the rule of law. It is celebrated as the first legal document protecting universal human rights. The Declaration underpins international human rights law, international humanitarian law, international criminal law, international refugee law, and many other areas of international law. Learn how networks of lawyers are helping make the Declaration’s principles a reality and how you can get involved through bar associations and networks of lawyers around the world.
19:00 » 20:30 The Global Impact of U.S. Democracy Under Fire: What Lawyers Can Do
17:00 GMT // 19:00 CEST // 1:00PM EDT
Register: https://americanbar.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Z07QtBCuQV-Htjfa-tkyeg 
Hosted by: American Bar Association International Law Section (ABA ILS)

Democracy is under siege worldwide. In the U.S., nearly 70% say democracy serves only the wealthy and powerful, and more than 40% foresee civil war within a decade. Similar numbers say “having a strong leader is more important than democracy”! As evidenced most memorably by the U.S. Capitol insurrection, democratic norms are eroding, marked by a crisis of faith in fundamental principles. And, increasingly, allies question whether the U.S. can be relied upon in world affairs; and despots cite U.S. retrenchment to justify their own strongarm rule. Join us to explore the critical role of lawyers in arresting the slide to autocracy.

Friday 19 May 2023

17:00 » 18:30 Defending Democracy, Human Rights, and the Rule of Law Around the Globe
15:00 GMT // 17:00 CEST // 11:00AM EDT
Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_tjWpvO3GQxCN26MWMshMVA 

Conclude this year’s Rule of Law Webathon Week by joining us and the global legal community for this special program jointly organized by our four major associations of international lawyers—American Bar Association International Law Section (ABA ILS); International Association of Young Lawyers, Human Rights Committee (AIJA); Inter-American Bar Association (IABA); and International Association of Lawyers (UIA), Institute for the Rule of Law.

Join us and be inspired to pledge your commitment to defend democracy, human rights, and the rule of law in every corner of the world!