STAND UP SPEAK OUT -
For The UN Millennium Development Goals and Against Poverty

On 17th October, at Lincolns Inn Fields, the 3 core legal institutions of England and Wales - the Bar Council, Institute of Legal Executives and the Law Society came together through A4ID to declare their support for the UN’s Stand Up Speak Out initiative.

This momentous occasion not only saw collaboration between the core legal institutions, it reflected a partnership spanning all areas of legal theory and practice. Also committing their support were Bar Human Rights, Bar Pro Bono Unit, BPP, College of Law, LawWorks, Law Society of Westminster & Holborn, Ministry of Justice, Queen Mary Student Pro Bono Group, UCL Law Society and the United Nations Association - UK Young Professionals Network. A range of barristers, solicitors, students, legal academics and members of the judiciary from various areas of expertise pledged their support and helped to make a new world record.

The declaration calling for an end to poverty was read by Mark Bishop, Vice President of ILEX, Paul Marsh, Vice President of the Law Society and Geoffry Vos QC, Chairman of the Bar Council.

A total of 43.7 million people across the globe stood up against poverty this year, making a new world record. The involvement of lawyers from throughout the profession clearly demonstrates how seriously we take these issues. A4ID would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who took part.

For more information on Stand Up Speak Out and for coverage of A4ID’s involvement, please log onto www.standagainstpoverty.org. Details of A4ID’s legal stand up can also be found on the front cover of this week’s Law Society Gazette.

Words of Support

"The Bar Council is delighted to have supported the Stand Up and Speak Out declaration in Lincoln's Inn Fields this morning. The 8 Millennium objectives, including of course, the reduction of poverty, are crucially important to everyone. As lawyers, we need to stand up and be counted in the fight against poverty, inequality and injustice. This campaign should and must involve us all."

- Geoffrey Vos QC, Chairman of the Bar

"I was delighted to take part in the Stand Up Speak out declaration, to show support and commitment to this cause on behalf of solicitors throughout England and Wales. It is important to highlight the role that lawyers have to play in this fight, as it is a matter of justice and equality, and upholding the rule of law, rather than charity. I hope that this event serves to reenergise the debate about global poverty, and that it acts as a reminder to Governments of its commitment to eradicate poverty and inequality around the world".

- Paul Marsh, Law Society Vice President

“Eliminating poverty is one of the great challenges facing the world today. As guardians of the law, lawyers have a duty to remind governments and major institutions around the world of their commitment to eliminate world poverty and that they remain accountable for their actions. Events such as this are crucial to maintain pressure on governments to ensure they keep their promises. I am honoured that the Institute of Legal Executives and its members are able to join the millions around the world today in demonstrating our commitment to eliminating poverty across the globe”.

- Diane Burleigh, Chief Executive, Institute of Legal Executives

A4ID Celebrates Its First Birthday

On 11th October, members and representatives from some of our leading development partner organisations celebrated A4ID’s first anniversary at an evening reception kindly hosted by Clifford Chance.

Lord Bingham of Cornhill gave the key note speech on the importance of the rule of law and congratulated the “lusty one-year old” on the success of its debut year. Filippo Addarii, head of ACEVO’s international programme, followed and was joined by Ime Asanga, Executive Secretary of ACEVO Nigeria. They highlighted the accomplishments of the A4ID-ACEVO partnership, and plans to replicate this success elsewhere in the future. Matt Gearing, partner at Allen & Overy, spoke about his involvement in the International Investment Treaty training programme in Chile. Afua Hirsch, a Barrister at Doughty Street Chambers, recounted her team’s work to address the difficulties and experiences connected with the Charles Taylor trial in Liberia. The speeches were opened and closed by Roger Leese, trustee of A4ID and partner at Clifford Chance.

The evening provided a great opportunity to hear about, and celebrate, some of A4ID’s achievements to date as well as generating support for future projects and developments. Outside the auditorium, there was a chance to discuss A4ID’s work with other members, as well as talk to representatives of ACEVO, Challenges Worldwide, Child Hope, HIV AIDS Alliance, Minority Rights Group, Plan International, Oxfam and War on Want. My lasting impression of the evening was of genuine enthusiasm and excitement shared by all for what lies ahead in the organisation’s second year and beyond.

- Ashley Dunford, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer

Thank you very much to our A4ID members who volunteered to help us at this event: Sabrina Mahtani, Shirin Choudhury, Stephanie Tang and Natalie Berman.