Diego García-Sayán — Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers

Diego García-Sayán: appointed Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers in December 2016

Background: Mr. García-Sayán was a judge of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights for two consecutive terms. During his tenure, he was elected Vice-President of the Court (2008-2009) and President of the Court for two consecutive terms (2009-2013). Mr. García-Sayán successfully performed public roles in critical situations demonstrating his ability to identify strategic issues and lead change and democratic transition processes in complex contexts such as internal conflicts and authoritarian regimes. He is the author of several books on international law and development. Finally, he has experience in high level diplomatic and policy negotiations on international peace, security and inclusive development.

The duties of his mandate include:

• To inquire into any substantial allegations transmitted to him or her and to report his or her conclusions and recommendations thereon;
• To identify and record not only attacks on the independence of the judiciary, lawyers and court officials but also progress achieved in protecting and enhancing their independence, and make concrete recommendations, including the provision of advisory services or technical assistance when they are requested by the State concerned;
• To identify ways and means to improve the judicial system, and make concrete recommendations thereon;
• To study, for the purpose of making proposals, important and topical questions of principle with a view to protecting and enhancing the independence of the judiciary and lawyers and court officials;
• To apply a gender perspective in his or her work;
• To continue to cooperate closely, while avoiding duplication, with relevant United Nations bodies, mandates and mechanisms and with regional organizations;
• To report regularly to the Council in accordance with its programme of work, and annually to the General Assembly.

Download his most recent report

Submission Instructions:
http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/Judiciary/Pages/Complaints.aspx