MEDIA ADVISORY - International Day of the Endangered Lawyer 2020: The Role of Lawyers, Paralegals, Judges and Advocates in Defending the Rule of Law in Pakistan
TORONTO, Jan. 23, 2020 /CNW/ - The International Day of the Endangered Lawyer – January 24 of each year, is a time to reflect on the work of the members of the legal professions who face persecution, physical danger and reprisal for defending and advocating for the rights of the most vulnerable individuals and communities around the world.
This year's focus is Pakistan. In the past decade, lawyers, paralegals, judges and human rights advocates residing in Pakistan have been subjected to life-threatening situations some of which have resulted in death. Through the Human Rights Monitoring Group, the Law Society of Ontario has intervened in several of these situations.
Established in 2010, the International Day of the Endangered Lawyer highlights issues surrounding human rights, the rule of law and the state of members of the legal professions at risk in a specific country. The selection of a country is made by a consortium of international lawyer organizations and bar associations, led by The International Lawyers Foundation and others.
This event has been organized in partnership with Lawyers' Rights Watch Canada and is co-sponsored by Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International.
Event Details
Date: January 24, 2020
Panel Discussion: 4 to 5:30 p.m.
Reception: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Location: Discussion in Lamont Learning Centre/Reception to follow in Convocation Hall
Osgoode Hall, 130 Queen St. W.
Please enter through east-side doors facing Nathan Phillips Square.
Panelists:
- Mariam Mufti, Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, University of Waterloo (Moderator & Panelist)
- Abdul (Hamid) Bashani Khan, Lawyer, Abdul Hamid Khan Law Office, Mississauga
- Ferry de Kerckhove, 2nd Lt. Ret, Armed Corps, Canadian High Commissioner to Pakistan, 1998-2001 and Honorary Senior Fellow at the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, University of Ottawa
- Haroon Siddiqui, Editor Emeritus, Toronto Star Editorial page and Member of the Order of Canada
Recorded messages by:
- Beena Sarwar, Pakistan-based journalist and filmmaker
- Saif ul-Malook, Pakistan-based defence lawyer and legal representative of Asia Bibi
This public event is free, but space is limited and registration is required. Additional information and registration: https://lawsociety.forms-db.com/view.php?id=189968.
Media Opportunity
- Observe and/or record panel discussion.
- One-on-one interviews with panel members.
Media representatives, please confirm your attendance in advance with the media contact below.
This event has been accredited for one hour and 30 minutes of EDI professionalism content.
The Law Society regulates lawyers and paralegals in Ontario in the public interest. The Law Society has a mandate to protect the public interest, to maintain and advance the cause of justice and the rule of law, to facilitate access to justice for the people of Ontario and act in a timely, open and efficient manner.
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SOURCE The Law Society of Ontario
Media contact: Jennifer Wing, Senior Communications Advisor, External Relations and Communications, at 416-947-3455 or [email protected].
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