The Bar Human Rights Committee of England and Wales endorses and supports the Coalition for the International Day of the Endangered Lawyer 2026 Report highlighting its focus on the United States. BHRC echoes the call to action to the greater international community to support the legal profession and upholding the rule of law in the US.
The Statement and Subsequent Report Calls on the US to:
- Immediately cease all forms of retaliation, intimidation, or interference directed at
lawyers, law firms, prosecutors, judges, and professional associations on the basis of
their legitimate professional activities; - Revoke or remedy executive and administrative measures that undermine the
independence of the legal profession, including restrictions on access, security
clearances, contracts, and professional participation; - Guarantee the independence of prosecutorial and judicial institutions and refrain from
political interference in disciplinary or appointment processes; - Respect and protect the autonomy and self-governing role of bar associations and
professional bodies; - Ensure adequate funding and structural support for public defence and legal aid
systems, in accordance with international standards; - Reaffirm commitment to international human rights mechanisms and standards
relevant to the protection of lawyers and the administration of justice.The findings of the Day of the Endangered Lawyer 2026 report demand a clear and collective response. The independence of
the legal profession must be defended—not selectively, not conditionally, but universally. BHRC is committed to its aims of upholding international human rights standards, the rule of law, and protecting lawyers as well as judges and human rights defenders.
Access the Statement Here: 2026 DEL Statement
Read the 2026 DEL Report Here: 2026 DEL Report
