Best Wishes for 2014 by the I.A.J. President

At the turn of the year we can state that 2013 was a successful year for IAJ. We celebrated the 60^th anniversary of our association. The annual conference, which was organized by the Ukrainian Association of Judges in such a perfect way, was the adequate frame for this celebration. Another important document was adopted at this occasion. Following the presentations and debate of the conference on High Councils for the Judiciary the results were summarized in a resolution, which underlines the central role, which such councils could and should play for the independence and the functioning of the justice system and the responsibilities of the members of the other powers of state and the judges themselves to guarantee this. It would be a great success if all states reconsider the legal and factual situation of the administration of justice in their country and would follow these recommendations.

2013 clearly showed the twofold challenges which IAJ is facing. On the one hand in countries, in which rule of law is well established, reforms – very often in respect of financial austerity measures –  have to be mastered and setbacks have to be avoided. Member associations reported such setbacks in some of their countries in Africa, Europe and Ibero-America.  On the other hand there are countries, in which the start for a system based on the rule of law began recently. New judges associations fight in theses countries to create a legal framework and/or factual situations which make an independent judiciary possible. At the meeting in Yalta judges associations of Egypt, Russia and Iraq participated as observers. The investigative procedures regarding their application for membership have started.  Especially in such countries advice and support of IAJ is needed.

By amending its statute in 2012 IAJ repeated its commitment to help associations, which fight for the independence of the judges and the judiciary in their country. Membership was opened for these associations but at the same time a strict monitoring mechanism regarding the independence of the judiciary in all the countries was established. IAJ intensified the cooperation with the United Nations and other international bodies. Thanks to the efforts of the secretariat the website was relaunched and will be an additional tool to increase the visibility of and the communication within IAJ.

IAJ is well prepared to face also the challenges of the coming year 2014. It will not be easier but it should be at least as successful as the year before. There are a lot of activities going on in the Study Commission, in the Regional Groups in the Presidency Committee, the Secretariat  and last but not least in our 81 member associations. All these activities are committed to the same common goals enshrined in our Constitution.

I thank everybody who contributes to this indispensible work of IAJ, which will lead us to reach these goals and finally will realize a peaceful and just world. To get another step forward is also my wish for the coming year to IAJ to its member associations and to all the judges.

Gerhard Reissner