The Swedish Section of the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ-S)
The Swedish Section of the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ-S) was created shortly after the establishment of the Geneva-based International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) in 1951. ICJ-S functions as an independent support section to the secretariat in Geneva and works to promote Human Rights and the Rule of Law in Sweden and internationally.
Our overall vision is an international society of states founded on the principles of the rule of law, where human rights are respected and where anyone who has been subjected to a violation has access to an effective judicial remedy. We believe well-functioning judicial institutions are a precondition for democracy and sustainable economic development. We further believe that judicial assistance should be prioritised in developmental cooperation projects. ICJ-S may implement projects together with both State and non-State actors, as longs as it is consistent with our organisational policies.
On a national level ICJ-S works to ensure compliance with Sweden’s international and regional human rights obligations. We also work to promote independency of the judiciary, encourage respect for the law, strengthen the adherence to fundamental rights such as equality before the law and non-discrimination, and encourage the right to a fair trial if these rights have been violated. This work is primarily carried out through petitions, organising debates and seminars as well as publishing articles and scripts to voice our opinions and participate in the legislative process. ICJ-S also publishes a yearly magazine titled Rättspolitisk debatt (Rule of Law Debate).
Internationally, ICJ-S initiates and develops projects in cooperation with local organisations with the aim of promoting human rights and the rule of law. Current international cooperation projects include several African countries and rely on financial assistance from donors.
ICJ-S is a member-based organisation and all the members are enrolled in a legal profession varying from law students and practising lawyers to professors and judges. Their combined expertise is of essential importance in promoting human rights and the rule of law in Sweden and internationally.
The international commission of jurists (ICJ) consists of 60 jurists from different countries in the world, whose achievements in the human rights field have gained wide international recognition. ICJ monitors and reports infringements of human rights all over the world and observers are sent to countries where the rule of law is at stake. Approximately 80 national sections are operating within the ICJ. In 1978, the Centre for the Independence of Judges and Lawyers was created. The body aims to support the independence of lawyers as well as to protect lawyers and judges from harassment.
Members of the commission are not obliged by domestic representation but constitute a common ground for the purpose of upholding the rule of law and the legal protection of human rights. ICJ is also promoting its purpose by influencing international organisations such as the UN and the European Council and functions as an advisory body for the Economic and Social council (ECOSOC), the European council and the International labour organisation (ILO). ICJ-S Board Members Stellan Gärde and Claes Sandgren represent Sweden at the ICJ in Geneva.
Svenska Avdelningen av Internationella Juristkommissionen
Åsögatan 140, 11624 Stockholm, Sweden
Telephone: + 46 (0)8 654 62 80
E-mail: secretariat@icj-sweden.org
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