State Secretary for Legal Protection Teun Struycken has signed the Council of Europe Convention for the Protection of the Profession of Lawyer on behalf of the Netherlands. This took place during the 134th ministerial meeting of the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers in Luxembourg.
Struycken: I am delighted that I was able to sign the Convention protecting Lawyers on behalf of the Netherlands. Unfortunately, lawyers increasingly face intimidation, threats, attacks or interference in the performance of their professional duties. This convention is an important step in protecting their independence.
The convention focuses on the right to practise law and regulates the professional rights of lawyers, including the right to confidential communication with their clients. The convention also stresses the importance of freedom of expression and professional discipline for lawyers.
The convention also includes specific protective measures for lawyers and their professional associations. For example, it stipulates that professional associations, in the Netherlands the Dutch Bar Association (NOvA), must be able to function as independent, self-governing bodies.
The convention requires states to ensure that lawyers can perform their professional duties without impediments. This protection is essential for safeguarding a just rule of law in which everyone has access to a fair trial.
