Beijing Statement

BEIJING STATEMENT OF PRINCIPLES OF THE INDEPENDENCE OF THE JUDICIARY

The Beijing Statement was released following the 6th Biennial Conferences of Chief Justices of Asia and the Pacific, held in Beijing in 1995 and was signed by (19) Chief Justices of the region. The 7th Biennial Conference (Manila, 1997) provided an opportunity for amendment to the original set of principles and the endorsement of the statement by a further (6) Chief Justices.

The adoption of the Beijing Statement represented the achievement of a remarkable consensus between the Chief Justices from countries reflecting the divergent cultures of the different nations in the region. It was a tribute to the determination of the Chief Justices that they were able to reach agreement on the minimum standards necessary to secure judicial independence in their respective countries.

The Beijing Statement of Principles of the Independence of the Judiciary continues to provide a vitally important set of principles for the rule of law and administration of justice throughout the region, and also sets a standard for continued agreement on matters of principle as they effect the judiciary of the region.

Please click here to download a PDF copy of the Beijing Statement of Principles of the Independence of the Judiciary.