The Bar Council is calling on the UK Government to ratify the Council of Europe’s Convention on the Protection of the Profession of Lawyer, also known as the Luxembourg Treaty, on the anniversary of its launch. This convention aims to protect the freedom and independence of the global legal profession. The UK was one of 17 countries that signed the convention last year, and 29 states have now endorsed the instrument.
The convention is an international instrument dedicated to strengthening the ability of lawyers to carry out their professional duties free from threats, attack, interference, or reprisals. Ratification would help to strengthen the UK’s ability to advocate for international standards and would align the Government’s domestic position with the principles that are routinely promoted as part of the UK’s international engagement.
Chair of the Bar Kirsty Brimelow KC said: “The safety of lawyers is essential to the rule of law and a functioning liberal democracy. The UK was an early signatory of the Luxembourg Treaty, but its commitment to the protection of lawyers will be measured at the point of ratification.” She urged the UK to lead the way in ratification and show concrete support for European colleagues who work in jurisdictions where they face risk and danger.
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The Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe represents the Bars and Law Societies of 46 countries, and through them, more than 1 million European lawyers. In a statement issued by the Council, on the anniversary of the convention, it said: “Where lawyers are silenced, the rule of law falters, justice is weakened, freedom is restricted, and citizens’ trust in the state is extinguished.”
The Council welcomes the commitment of the 29 States that have already signed the convention and expresses its gratitude to the Council of Europe for having carried out this project with determination and consistency. However, there is still a long way to go for this text to become fully effective, even though the situation of lawyers in many countries requires immediate protection. The Council calls on all Council of Europe member states to join this convention without delay and to ensure its practical implementation by ratifying it as soon as possible.
CCBE President Roman Završek added: “One year on, the message is clear: 29 States have signed this convention, sending a strong and encouraging signal. It is a step towards a Europe where lawyers can serve freely, where citizens can be defended fully, and where the rule of law is not just proclaimed but lived”.
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The UK Government’s decision on ratification will be closely watched by the international community, particularly by those countries where lawyers face significant risks and challenges in carrying out their work. They will likely continue to advocate for ratification, emphasizing the importance of protecting the freedom and independence of the legal profession.
The situation of lawyers in many countries requires immediate protection, and ratification of the Luxembourg Treaty is seen as a key step towards achieving this goal. With 29 states having already signed the convention, momentum is building, and it remains to be seen how the UK will respond to the call to action, which could have significant implications for the future of the legal profession.
Ratification would be a significant move.