The Afghanistan Independent Bar Association in Exile (AIBAIE) has been granted membership status by the International Bar Association (IBA), according to a report by Canadian Lawyer.
The decision was unanimously approved during the IBA’s mid-year council meeting on May 25 in Bucharest, Romania.
Leaders from national bar associations and law societies worldwide voted to welcome the AIBA in its new format as an entity in exile. In a joint statement, Ruhullah Qarizada, President of AIBAIE, and Rafi Nadiri, a member of the leadership council, expressed their gratitude for the IBA’s decision.
“The extension of our membership in the International Bar Association is a clear message that we are not alone in our critical situation,” the Afghan lawyers noted. “With the official renewal of our membership, we will work more effectively for our members both inside and outside Afghanistan through strong and regular coordination with the IBA.”
Mark Ellis, IBA executive director, affirmed the IBA’s continued support for the Afghan legal community. “The IBA has not forgotten the Afghan legal community,” he stated.
Since the Taliban’s return to power, many high-profile figures in Afghanistan, including lawyers, human rights defenders, women’s rights advocates, and journalists, have been forced into exile due to threats from the regime.
