What's changing

Lawyers at Risk

We’re committed to supporting lawyers around the world who are targeted simply for doing their job. Find out how we’re doing this through our Lawyers at Risk programme.

12 Jun 2026

2 minutes read

Our aims

Our Lawyers at Risk programme supports lawyers globally who face serious challenges because of their work, including:

threats
intimidation
disciplinary measures
arbitrary arrest, detention and prosecution
enforced disappearance
violence

The programme aims to:

raise awareness of the risks and challenges associated with being a lawyer and international standards for their protection
highlight the importance of an independent legal profession
foster professional solidarity with colleagues abroad
strengthen the protection of lawyers worldwide
seek accountability for violations of lawyers’ rights

We value our partnerships and collaborate with a network of non-governmental organisations, international institutions, state agencies and bar associations.

What we are doing

Explore analysis of our actions in our intervention tracker.

Our actions include:

Intervention letters and statements

We send letters to state authorities and make statements to raise concerns about specific lawyers at risk while urging compliance with international standards for the protection of lawyers.

These letters are a vital form of solidarity for lawyers under threat and aim to prevent further abuses.

Engaging with state and inter-governmental mechanisms

We use our United Nations (UN) Economic and Social Council observer status as a platform to influence global standards and protect lawyers at risk.

We achieve this through statements, reports and direct engagement with:

the Human Rights Council and Universal Periodic Review
treaty bodies and special rapporteurs
state representatives

We also work through regional human rights systems and domestic tribunals to strengthen protections for lawyers.

This includes submitting amicus curiae briefs and applications to support the implementation of human rights decisions.

Standard setting and research

We work with a wide range of stakeholders to influence national and international standards and strengthen protective frameworks for lawyers.

For example, we participated in the drafting of the Council of Europe Convention for the Protection of the Profession of Lawyer.

Our advocacy is grounded in research.

By analysing trends, documenting risks, and identifying gaps in protection, we ensure that our work and recommendations are evidence-based and responsive to current challenges faced by lawyers.

International days for lawyers’ rights

We are active members of the coalitions that organise the:

Each year, a focus country is selected for each initiative following a nomination and voting process.

We raise awareness of the risks and challenges for lawyers and fair trial guarantees in those countries through reports, statements, events, and advocacy.

Fact-finding missions and trial observations

We carry out in-country missions and trial observations to see the treatment of lawyers first-hand, engage with those affected and consult other stakeholders.

These actions send a strong message of international solidarity and demonstrate our commitment to protecting lawyers at risk worldwide.