Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers
Statement by the United States
at the 47th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council
Geneva, June 28, 2021
As delivered by Phillip Riblett
The United States thanks the Special Rapporteur for the timely report on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on independent justice.
Effective and independent justice institutions are essential. Vice President Harris has stated that corruption of these institutions corrodes public trust and prevents access to fair trials, which is an essential component of the rule of law.
As stated in the report, COVID-19 has particularly exacerbated the threat of gender-based violence. This is an urgent crisis and guaranteeing fair and timely trials is a critical step to justice and restitution for survivors and victims.
President Biden has expressed his dedication to addressing barriers to justice for survivors of gender-based violence and commends countries who have taken steps to ensure justice systems remain independent and accessible for victims during the pandemic.
What actions can members take to better respond to the needs of gender-based violence survivors through their justice institutions during the pandemic?