Statement of solidarity in support of lawyers in Myanmar

The Presidents of the Law Societies of Northern Ireland, Ireland and Scotland, meeting in joint session on Wednesday 3 March 2021, have issued a statement of solidarity with lawyers in Myanmar.

The statement is signed by our president Amanda Millar, along with Rowan White, President, Law Society of Northern Ireland and James Cahill, President, Law Society of Ireland.

It states:

"The Presidents of the Law Societies of Northern Ireland, Ireland and Scotland unequivocally condemn the recent actions of the Army in Myanmar.

"We have watched with growing concern the deteriorating situation in Myanmar following the recent coup. We are appalled by the use of lethal force against civilian demonstrators.

"We express our solidarity with the Members of the legal profession in Myanmar who are working to uphold the rule of law and we call for an immediate cessation of the attacks and threats against lawyers trying to provide legal help for detained protesters.

"We call upon the Myanmar authorities to guarantee the safety of lawyers in Myanmar and to respect the Rule of Law by allowing fair trials and access to legal help for detainees."