The International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) has spoken out about the worrying trend towards judicial interference in the Philippines.

Addressing a conference of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, co-chair and former Justice of the High Court of Australia (1996–2006), Michael Kirby said: “It has been with deep concern that the IBAHRI has learned of reports from the Philippines of interference in the work of lawyers, threats to their lives, and to the independence of the judiciary in the country.

Human rights progress

“Much progress had been made in the area of human rights and it is my hope that the Philippines will return to the path of democracy and judicial independence.“

Kirby said that IBAHRI stands with the Philippines Bar and its Supreme Court in their stalwart defence of human rights and the rule of law.

IBAHRI strongly encourages the government of the Philippines to return to the path of democracy and universal human rights, where the independence of the legal profession is held to the highest account, he said.