Since 2010, the International Day of the Endangered Lawyer has been observed on 24 January in cities, countries, and continents around the globe.

This date was chosen as the annual International Day of the Endangered Lawyer because on 24 January 1977, four lawyers and a co-worker were murdered at their address at Calle Atocha 55 in Madrid, an event that came to be known as the Massacre of Atocha.

The purpose of this International Day is to draw the attention of government officials, international institutions, civil society, the media and the general public to the plight of lawyers in a particular focus country, to raise awareness about the threats the lawyers in that country face in the exercise of their profession.

This year, the International Day of the Endangered Lawyer focusses on Afghanistan.

The European Criminal Bar Association , as an active part of the Coalition for the Day of the Endangered Lawyer, sadly confirms that the situation confronting Afghan lawyers today is extremely dire.

We address the recommendations provided in the Report to the de facto authorities in Afghanistan, the international community, the European Union and its Member States, in order to improve the situation of Afghan lawyers in Afghanistan and elsewhere around the world.

Click here to read the report of the Coalition for the Day of the Endangered Lawyer, co-signed by the ECBA.