Concept Summary  

Judicial independence and integrity are essential pillars of the rule of law and access to justice. When judges are free from undue influence and uphold the highest ethical standards, public trust in the judiciary is strengthened. This session will delve into the critical relationship between judicial integrity, independence, and access to justice in the region. 

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This session will explore the findings of the 2023-2024 study on judicial independence and integrity in ASEAN, followed by a panel discussion featuring members of the Judicial Integrity Network Advisory Working Group. The panel will focus on the current challenges faced by judiciaries, and participants will have the opportunity to engage in discussions on strategies and recommendations for strengthening judicial independence in the region. 

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Objectives 

• Present Key Findings from the 2023-2024 study on judicial independence and integrity, involving feedback from over 1,700 judges across ASEAN countries. 

• Discuss Main Threats to judicial independence, including political interference, lack of transparency, inadequate accountability mechanisms, and corruption. 

• Highlight Best Practices and recommendations for safeguarding judicial integrity, with insights from the Judicial Integrity Network Advisory Working Group. 

• Promote Dialogue among stakeholders on the importance of judicial independence as a cornerstone of access to justice and trust in the legal system. 

 

Questions 

• What are the primary threats to judicial independence and integrity in the ASEAN region, based on the 2023-2024 research? 

• How do these threats affect the overall access to justice for marginalised and vulnerable groups in ASEAN countries? 

• What role do national governments, legal practitioners, and international bodies play in strengthening judicial independence and reducing political or economic influence on courts? 

• What are the most effective strategies to enhance accountability and transparency within the judiciary while maintaining independence? 

• How can regional cooperation and networks, such as the Judicial Integrity Network in ASEAN, contribute to sustained judicial reforms? 

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Format/Methodology 

• Opening Presentation (15 minutes): Overview of the 2023-2024 research findings on judicial independence and integrity in ASEAN. Focus on data analysis, key trends, and insights. 

• Panel Discussion (30 minutes): Featuring 4-5 members from the Judicial Integrity Network Advisory Working Group. Each panelist will discuss a specific aspect of judicial integrity, threats to independence, and their recommendations for strengthening judicial resilience. 

• Q&A Session (25 minutes): Audience interaction, where participants can pose questions to the panelists, followed by an open dialogue on solutions and the way forward. 

• Conclusion and Call to Action (20 minutes): Summary of key takeaways, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts to protect judicial independence and integrity across ASEAN countries and beyond, with a roadmap for future action. 

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Expected Outcome

• Enhanced Understanding of the current state of judicial independence in the region and the specific threats faced by national judiciaries. 

• Identification of Practical Recommendations for strengthening judicial integrity, reducing vulnerabilities, and fostering greater public trust in the judiciary. 

• Commitment to Regional Cooperation through the Judicial Integrity Network and similar initiatives to promote judicial reform and protect judicial independence in the region. 

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About the People-Centered Justice Conference  

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Bangkok Regional Hub, the Thailand Institute of Justice (TIJ), the United Nations Environment Programme  (UNEP) Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, and UN Women Asia and the Pacific, in collaboration with the World Justice Project, the International Development Law Organization (IDLO), and the Court of Justice of Thailand, will host the conference “Achieving Just Societies: Inclusive Justice Pathways for People and Planet in Asia and the Pacific” This event is scheduled to take place in Bangkok from November 11-13, 2024. 
 
The conference will serve as a dynamic platform for stakeholders to exchange insights, address challenges, and explore innovative, data-driven, and evidence-based approaches to enhancing equal and inclusive access to justice for all through people-centered methods, including in crisis-affected settings. In line with a human rights-based approach and the 'leave no one behind' principles, the event aims to foster partnerships and promote robust access to justice frameworks that better prioritize human rights, as well as the justice needs and emerging priorities of individuals and communities across the Asia and Pacific region. 

 
Ultimately, the conference aspires to reinforce a collective regional commitment to upholding the rule of law, ensuring equal and inclusive access to justice, and protecting human rights, all of which are foundational to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outlined in Agenda 2030.