Robust Institutions Key to Upholding Human Rights, Secretary-General Says as Clooney Foundation Launches ‘TrialWatch’ Programme

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ video message for the launch of the Clooney Foundation for Justice’s TrialWatch programme:

We live at a time when human rights are increasingly under attack and judicial institutions are being instrumentalized for political ends.  We also witness growing violence against activists, lawyers and journalists, and a shrinking space for civil society.

For these reasons, the launch of TrialWatch is especially timely.  I commend the Clooney Foundation for undertaking this project, in close partnership with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Indeed, to uphold human rights, we need robust, transparent and well-functioning institutions capable of preserving their independence and ensuring fair trials.  We also need to raise awareness about human rights and empower individuals to claim them.

I wish you every success with this important initiative.