CLA News / Lawyers in Exile Survey by the Law Society of England and Wales: Help Shape Better Support for Lawyers Forced to Flee
As a result of the growing threats to lawyers around the world, an increasing number of lawyers – particularly those that have defended human rights or sought to uphold the rule of law and democratic values – have been forced to leave their home country to avoid physical threats to their safety and/ or arbitrary disbarment, prosecution and detention.
Lawyers in exile face a unique set of challenges: practical difficulties earning a living, navigating practice rights and transferring expertise to a new jurisdiction, as well as establishing a life and network in a new country, often while defending ongoing proceedings or appealing convictions against them in their home country and coping with the emotional and psychological impact of displacement, leaving family behind, losing their home and sense of belonging.
Some lawyers living in exile continue to face threats, harassment and intimidation and the prevalence of transnational repression is a grave concern. In several cases, lawyers in exile have formed lawyers’ groups or alternative ‘bar associations in exile’ such as the Belarusian Association of Human Rights Lawyers (BAHRL), the Afghanistan Bar Association in Exile, or the Independent Lawyers Network (originally based in Azerbaijan and now in Berlin).
Bar associations and law societies around the world play a critical role tackling the challenges faced by lawyers in exile. As representative bodies, they are uniquely placed to uphold professional solidarity, protect the independence of the legal profession, and defend the rule of law. They can identify risks and attacks against lawyers, provide or coordinate practical and professional support, and help exiled lawyers maintain their legal identity and skills. Furthermore, they can advocate, both nationally and internationally, on the issues faced by lawyers in exile, raising awareness of systemic abuses, and engaging other stakeholders such as governmental or UN bodies that may be able to provide further support. Through coordination, solidarity and sharing of best practices bar associations and law societies help ensure that lawyers forced into exile are not silenced or excluded from the profession, but remain connected, supported, and able to continue their legal work in their new country.
That’s why the Law Society of England and Wales is conducting research on lawyers in exile to identify and raise awareness of the practical challenges and needs related to being in exile, identify good practice and successful models of support from organisations including bar associations and law societies globally, and advocate for support from regulatory bodies and governments to ensure effective routes for lawyers at risk to relocate and continue their legal work.
We invite you to contribute to the research by completing this survey:
Lawyers in Exile Survey – Organisations – Fill in form
