Conference brought together legal professionals from over 100 countries
Discussions on the rule of law and threats to judicial independence took center stage at the 2024 International Bar Association (IBA) Annual Conference, which was held in Mexico City.
The event, held on September 15, opened with speeches from IBA President Almudena Arpón de Mendívil Aldama, former President of Mexico Professor Ernesto Zedillo, and Norma Piña Hernández, President of Mexico’s Supreme Court of Justice. The opening ceremony took place at the Centro Citibanamex in Mexico City.
The speakers addressed international delegates about the challenges to democracy in the region, particularly in Mexico, where recent constitutional reforms have sparked concerns about the judiciary's independence.
IBA President Arpón de Mendívil, highlighting the conference's timing on the United Nations Day of Democracy, expressed her concern about the erosion of democratic values in several countries, including Mexico. She commended Mexican legal professionals for their commitment to defending judicial independence during the reform process, reassuring them that the IBA would continue to support their efforts.
The event also featured the presentation of the first IBA Impact Award to Supreme Court President Norma Piña Hernández. In her acceptance speech, Piña emphasized the broader scope of justice, stating, "Justice is not only a matter of laws and courts; it is a matter of human rights, equity, ethics, and dignity that involves all authorities." She thanked IBA members for their work defending the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary.
In his keynote address, Professor Zedillo broke his long-standing practice of refraining from commenting on Mexican politics, sharply criticizing the recent constitutional reforms. He warned that these changes could undermine judicial independence, asserting that electing judges by popular vote risks turning judicial appointments into politically influenced decisions, rather than merit-based selections. Zedillo also cautioned that the reforms could empower a dominant political regime to control and potentially punish dissenting judges.
The conference brought together legal professionals from over 100 countries and covered crucial global issues such as artificial intelligence legislation, climate change, and judicial independence.
