Whilst the UK is focused upon the visit of China’s President, Xi Jinping, to the country this week, the Bar Human Rights Committee calls for attention to be given to China’s detained and threatened Chinese lawyers, staff and human rights defenders. Following a state crackdown in China that started in July this year, around 220...
BHRC expresses deep concern in response to the continued ignorance of the problem of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) across the Middle East and Asia. A first step to combatting FGM is to recognise that the issue exists. To date FGM is regarded by most, including many international organisations as an African issue, but in reality...
BHRC ran a specialist session on trial observations at this year’s Annual Bar and Young Bar Conference in London. The session was entitled Trial observations and show trials: the role and impact of trial monitoring. Chaired by Kirsty Brimelow QC, the speakers on the panel were Blinne Ní Ghrálaigh, Vice-Chair of the BHRC; Professor Mads Andenas,...
BHRC will be one of the supporting organisations at the upcoming Thomson Reuters Human Rights Law Conference 2015 on Thursday 22 October. The annual Human Rights Law conference provides delegates with a comprehensive and expert review of the key developments in human rights over the last 12 months. There have been significant case law developments int...
October 11th was the UN International Day of the Girl. BHRC marked the occasion by chairing a panel discussion after the screening of India’s Daughter at the Regent Street cinema in London. The event was organised by Plan UK and was part of its Because I’m a Girl campaign. Panellists: Film Director Leslee Udwin, Plan...
BHRC has joined with other international organisations to express its concern at the ongoing detention of Colombian human rights defender, David Ravelo Crespo. 14th September 2015 marked five years since Mr Ravelo Crespo was arrested. International organsiations have sought to reiterate their concern over the lack of due process in this case which resulted in...
BHRC has joined other organisations in endorsing an amicus brief submitted to the Colombian Constitutional Court in the context of a challenge, brought by a number of domestic and international human rights groups, to a constitutional amendment (Acto Legislativo no.1 2015) which aims to reform the jurisdiction of Colombia’s military courts. In particular, the Act...
Following the allegations of corruption levelled against Magistrado Jorge Pretelt, President of the Constitutional Court of Colombia, the Bar Human Rights Committee of England and Wales (BHRC) expresses its support for the institution of the Court. BHRC supports corruption allegations being properly addressed, in accordance with the rule of law and due process. At the...
The Bar Human Rights Committee of England and Wales (BHRC) has sent an open letter to the President of China following the recent wave of arrests of lawyers and human rights defenders in the country. These people are reportedly accused of causing social chaos through open defiance in the courtroom, on the internet and organising...
On Thursday 16th July, BHRC hosted a seminar at Doughty Street Chambers where a diverse panel discussed the introduction of FGM Protection Orders in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The changes succeeded an investigation into the Government’s failure to protect those within its jurisdiction against FGM. In February 2014, the BHRC gave evidence to the...
The Bar Human Rights Committee is the independent,
international human rights arm of the Bar of England
and Wales, dedicated to promoting justice and respect
for human rights through the rule of law.