Portugal Justice System Under Assessment

UN rights expert to visit Portugal to assess independence of the justice system

GENEVA (23 January 2015) – United Nations Special Rapporteur Gabriela Knaul will carry out an official visit to Portugal from 27 January to 3 February 2015, to assess the independence of judges, lawyers, and prosecutors, as well as the functioning of the justice system.

“My visit will focus on both the achievements and challenges of the country in ensuring the independence of the judiciary, the free exercise of the legal profession, and access to justice for all,” said Ms. Knaul, who is visiting Portugal at the invitation of the Government.

“I will also concentrate on key issues regarding the administration of justice, such as guarantees of due process and fair trial, including undue delays, and equal access to justice and legal aid, in particular for vulnerable members of the population, such as children, migrants, the Roma community, or women victims of domestic violence,” she explained.

During her eight-day visit, Ms. Knaul will meet representatives from the executive, the legislative and the judiciary, as well as prosecutors and lawyers in Lisbon, Porto and Coimbra. She will also meet with the Ombudsman, legal experts and academics, and representatives of civil society.

Based on the information collected during the visit, the Special Rapporteur will prepare a report to be presented to the Human Rights Council in June of this year.

At the end of the visit on Tuesday 3 February, Ms. Knaul will hold a press conference to present her preliminary observations. The press conference will be held at 11:00 am at Lisbon Real Pálacio Hotel, rua Tomás Ribeiro 115.

ENDS

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