VENEZUELA: Joint submission by the OIAD to the United Nations Universal Periodic Review on Venezuela
The submission highlights the ongoing deteriorating conditions for the practice of law and the growing obstacles to access to an independent defence. Lawyers involved in sensitive cases face surveillance, intimidation, harassment and, in some cases, arbitrary detention.
Against a backdrop of persistent restrictions on fair trial guarantees and access to justice, the OIAD, Lawyers for Lawyers and Defiende Venezuela highlight the consequences of these violations for the legal profession and for the fundamental rights of those subject to legal proceedings.
The organisations call on the Venezuelan authorities to honour their international commitments and to guarantee the independence of the legal profession and the right to an effective defence.
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