News item | 13-05-2025 | 17:30
State Secretary for Legal Protection Teun Struycken has it on behalf of the Netherlands Council of Europe Convention for the Protection of the Profession of Lawyer (Lawyers Convention) signed. This happened during the 134th ministerial meeting of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe in Luxembourg.
Struycken: “I am delighted that I was allowed to sign the lawyer’s treaty on behalf of the Netherlands. Unfortunately, lawyers are increasingly confronted with intimidation, threats, attacks or interference in the performance of their professional duties. This treaty is an important step in protecting their independence.”
The Convention focuses on the right to exercise the appeal of lawyer and regulates the professional rights of lawyers, including the right to confidential communication with clients. In addition, the Convention emphasizes 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 is stipulated that professional associations, in the Netherlands the Dutch Bar Association (NOVA), must be able to function as independent, self -management organs.
The Convention obliges states to ensure that lawyers can perform their professional tasks without obstacles. This protection is essential for guaranteeing a just rule of law in which everyone has access to a fair trial.