January 2019 – Bar Human Rights Committee of England & Wales

News Publications Statements and LettersJanuary 30, 2019

BHRC joins 31 organisations around the world calling for the release of Chinese Human Rights Lawyer, Wang Quanzhang

BHRC has joined a statement with 31 other organisations calling for the acquittal of Wang Quanzhang, a prominent Chinese human rights lawyer arrested during the 709 Crackdown. On 28 January 2019, Mr Wang was found guilty of “subversion of state power” and sentenced to 4 years and 6 months in prison and 5-year deprivation of political...

News Publications Statements and LettersJanuary 24, 2019

Lawyers Associations join forces to raise concern for the rule of law and the legal profession in Turkey for the Day of the Endangered Lawyer

The Bar Human Rights Committee of England and Wales (BHRC) has joined ten other Bar Associations, Law Societies and Legal Organisations in a joint declaration concerning the breakdown of the rule of law and serious threats against the independence of Judges, Lawyers, and Prosecutors in Turkey. The declaration marks the 9th annual Day of the Endangered...

News Publications Statements and LettersJanuary 23, 2019

“Disappointment” and “Dismayed,” says BHRC, at Nepal’s continued prosecution of Madhesi activist, Dr Chandra Kant Raut

BHRC has issued a public statement raising concern over the continued detention, prosecution and treatment of Madhesi human rights activist, Dr Chandra Kant Raut, in Nepal. Dr Raut was arrested on 7 October 2018 on a charge of a crime against the state for his alleged involvement in a gathering that took place in support of...

News Publications Statements and LettersJanuary 22, 2019

BHRC calls for Zimbabwe to cease state violence and protect the rights of children amid concern for fair trials and freedom of expression

BHRC has issued a public statement regarding the current and ongoing situation in Zimbabwe, following a national protest called for by trade union, civic and church leaders. In its statement, BHRC raises concern over reports of shootings and beatings of civilians and the detention of large numbers of people, including children. There is also concern for fair...

NewsJanuary 7, 2019

A New Year Message from Our New Chair, Schona Jolly QC

With a New Year comes renewed cautious hope—an opportunity to harness energies for positivity and change. With that spirit, I am delighted to pick up the reins as the new Chair for Bar Human Rights Committee in the knowledge that 2019 will continue to present fundamental challenges for human rights across the world. As the global narrative becomes dominated by...