STATEMENT
of the Network of the Presidents of the Supreme Judicial Courts of the European Union,
the European Network of Councils for the Judiciary, the European Association of Judges and the Association of the Councils of State and Supreme Administrative Jurisdictions
The brutal violation of human rights, as well as the ongoing destruction of judicial structures and the abolition of any independent approach to justice, with particular disregard for the rights of female judges in Afghanistan, once again gives us reason to show solidarity with those concerned and to call on the European authorities to provide the greatest possible support.
The ongoing collapse of the judicial system in Afghanistan is a powerful reminder that the independence of the Judiciary is indispensable for upholding the Rule of Law, which is a cornerstone of European unification and integration and is enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The independence of the Judiciary is a guarantee of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms in a democratic society. Judicial independence essentially means freedom from coercion, both from physical or psychological threats and from the unlawful suppression by governments of critical opinions within the Judiciary.
In order to ensure and reinforce public confidence in the Justice systems of the States, the Judiciaries of Europe and throughout the world need to stand together in solidarity, strengthen mutual trust and protect judicial independence. Judges and prosecutors in Europe and worldwide have to be in a position to administer justice regardless of their gender, religious or political belief or race.
