It’s a day of the year that reminds us that the protection of human rights is still necessary 74 years after the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations, because unfortunately they are not yet self-evident.
In recent years, the world has faced new challenges and crises such as pandemics, new wars, energy crises, unstable financial systems and climate change. In these times, it is even more important to recall the values and rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration and to base our collective action and response to challenges on them.
The concept of human rights empowers us and tells us that we all deserve dignity from society, whether it’s another person, the government or in our work environment. When we don’t receive it, we have a right to stand up. #standup4humanrights
This concept is echoed in this year’s Human Rights Day slogan: “Dignity, freedom and justice for all.”
A powerful slogan that leads us at the firm to reflect retrospectively on whether we have done enough this year and in previous years to do our part in making justice for all possible.
As part of the judiciary, we lawyers have a duty to uphold the rule of law and, by extension, human rights. We believe that quality representation and legal assistance for the vulnerable is our mission. Therefore, we strive to take on cases that by their nature could help us act in accordance with the protection of human rights in all areas, contributing to socially responsible behaviour and sustainable development. When the circumstances of a particular case require it, we also offer our advice and services free of charge – pro bono. And it is pro bono work that can make the greatest contribution to ensuring justice for all.
This year, we provided pro bono legal assistance to Ukrainian refugees to help them obtain temporary protection and make other arrangements to make it as easy as possible for them to navigate the legal and administrative issues in their difficult situation.
We also continued to represent villagers in their dispute with the municipality over the right to drinking water, and are pleased to report that our representation was successful, as the case was ultimately resolved in the villagers’ favour. We also helped defend students against certain unfair business practises claims.
Nevertheless, we cannot end the year without feeling that we could have done more.
We will therefore continue our pro bono work in the coming year and beyond and strive to use our expertise to contribute to a better, more just and sustainable world.
