Annual Trial Monitoring Meeting 2020
When
Where
Organized by
The 2020 Annual Trial Monitoring Meeting is being organised for 35 participants - involved with OSCE Field Operations and NGOs carrying out trial monitoring activities.
The aim of the event is to stimulate discussions about:
- trial monitoring
- the observance of the right to a fair trial during a state of emergency (or similar restrictions)
- monitoring of judicial appointments
A significant part of the meeting will be organised as a response to the current COVID-19 crisis.
Topics
The main topics to be discussed are:
- challenges of conducting court hearings remotely
- fair trial rights during remote justice procedures
- monitoring of judicial appointments
In the context of court hearings conducted remotely, the participants will also discuss good practices on monitoring as well as the likely impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on future trial monitoring activities.
Following up on discussions at previous Annual Trial Monitoring Meetings, the participants are also invited to explore the area of monitoring judicial appointments. This session will also include a small training component which will introduce participants to selected international standards related to judicial appointments.
In addition to the training, the meeting will include short presentations and the participants will be allowed to discuss in smaller breakout groups and during the plenary sessions.
Context
Some practitioners have had to temporarily suspend trial monitoring activities during the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, others have been able to monitor court hearings conducted through video conference.
Regarding the monitoring of judicial administration, including judicial appointments, this can be a useful tool for promoting judicial independence and helps increase transparency in processes of judicial appointments.