The President of the International Bar Association (IBA), Claudio Visco talks about accountability, international justice, democracy, and the future of the rule of law in an increasingly turbulent world.

Discussing Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Claudio explains why the IBA has supported efforts to establish a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression and reflects on the challenges of ensuring accountability for serious violations of international law.

The conversation also examines the war in Gaza and the international legal response to the conflict. Claudio acknowledges the complexity of the situation, while expressing concern about the humanitarian consequences of Israel's actions since the Hamas attacks of 7 October 2023.

“In our statement, which we issued immediately after the events, we clearly stressed that we accepted proportionality in the reaction. If you ask me has that proportionality occurred, and this is my personal view – it is Claudio Visco speaking, not the IBA, I am personally convinced it did not.”

Claudio also considers whether differing international responses to Ukraine and Gaza risk undermining confidence in global justice mechanisms and discusses the importance of applying international law consistently, regardless of politics or power.

The interview explores recent controversies surrounding the International Criminal Court, US sanctions, and executive actions targeting major law firms connected to investigations involving Donald Trump. While warning of growing pressures on legal institutions, Claudio remains hopeful about the resilience of democratic systems.

“And this is, for us, an indication that the rule of law is so much part of the culture of a country, like the United States, that we know that the democracy will be able to regain the position that it should have.”

The discussion also turns to grave tensions involving Iran, Israel and the United States, with Claudio examining the legal limits of self-defence under the UN Charter.

“The United Nations chart says that there must be a reaction to an immediate threat of life or security. Whether what Iran was doing was an immediate threat or not, there was never a clear indication that they were intending to use weapons that they were developing against those states which have been attacking them."

Beyond conflict and accountability, Claudio discusses the IBA's work on civic education, democratic resilience and artificial intelligence. He outlines why the organisation has established a dedicated AI Institute to better understand the technology and its implications for both the legal profession and society.

The episode concludes with a discussion of the IBA's research into public perceptions of lawyers, the relationship between strong rule-of-law protections and socio-economic outcomes, and why Claudio believes younger generations should not lose faith in democratic institutions despite mounting global challenges.

“Younger generations have a very pessimistic situation at what is happening. But for me, this is not justified… we want to take a balanced approach and say, yes, we are the first ones to work on what is going on, and what is going on is a number of serious attacks against the rule of law. But at the same time, you should be aware that the society is reacting. And this is the message we want to convey.”

Presented and produced by Evelyn McClafferty.

With thanks to our funders: Irish Aid.

The views expressed in this episode do not necessarily represent those of Irish Rule of Law International or its donors.

Across Northern Ireland and beyond, the legacy of conflict continues to raise difficult questions about truth, accountability, and the role of law in divided societies. In this episode of The Justice Edit, human rights lawyer Darragh Mackin reflects on the enduring challenges of addressing the past—and what it takes to build meaningful reconciliation.

“28 years after the Good Friday Agreement, we still have not reached a resolution about how we deal with the past.”

Darragh Mackin is Director and co-founder of Phoenix Law, a Belfast-based firm specialising in human rights, public law, and international litigation. Described as “a rising star on the international legal scene” (Irish Times), his work has placed him at the centre of some of the most significant legal cases in Ireland and internationally.

In this conversation, Darragh reflects on growing up in South Armagh and Newry, and how his early experiences shaped his commitment to justice. He discusses the evolving role of law in Northern Ireland—from the constraints of the pre–Good Friday Agreement era to the opportunities and limitations that exist today.

“To allow reconciliation to happen, we can’t just simply put a plaster over the previous cracks—we must address them.”

The episode explores whether the legal system has provided a form of stability in the post-Agreement period, particularly in contrast to political uncertainty, and considers the legislation and landmark cases that have advanced human rights protections since 1998.

Darragh also discusses some of the defining cases of his career, including his work on ‘The Hooded Men’ litigation, efforts to challenge legacy provisions in recent legislation, and his role in securing justice for families affected by the Stardust fire in Dublin.

Reflecting on the 2024 inquest outcome, he recalls a moment that captured decades of perseverance:

“When the verdict was read out, the whole room just erupted… and in the middle of it all, I heard one woman say two words: ‘At last.’”

The conversation also looks outward, examining the growing pressure on the rule of law globally, and the risks posed when legal norms are weakened or disregarded.

“And I think that if we effectively disregard the rule of law, we will enter a very, very dangerous place. Because then we are entering into a world where there are no rules.”

At the same time, Darragh reflects on sources of cautious optimism, from cultural shifts among younger generations to new forms of legal collaboration and advocacy.

Presented and produced by Evelyn McClafferty.

With thanks to our funders: Irish Aid.

The views expressed in this episode do not necessarily represent those of Irish Rule of Law International or its donors.

Across parts of the world, courts are publicly criticised, lawyers attacked, and democratic norms tested. In the latest episode of The Justice Edit, Dame Siobhan Keegan, Lady Chief Justice of Northern Ireland and co-patron of Irish Rule of Law International reflects on what protects public confidence when institutions come under strain.

Reflecting on Northern Ireland’s experience of conflict and peacebuilding, Dame Siobhan discusses how the courts functioned during the Troubles — often at a time when other political institutions were suspended — and why judicial independence became essential to maintaining public confidence.

“Judicial independence and fairness have been, as I would describe it, lifelines for communities seeking security and equality.”

The conversation explores the values that underpin both legal systems on the island of Ireland, the responsibility borne by judges and lawyers in an increasingly populist climate, and the risks that arise when trust in institutions begins to erode.

Dame Siobhan also addresses the often-overlooked connection between legal integrity and economic stability:

“So markets judge countries harshly where the rule of law is weak. Because the risk of arbitrary action or corruption is high.”

Looking beyond Ireland, she reflects on global democratic backsliding and the danger of slow institutional decay:

“What worries me is that by the time the damage is visible, recovery can be difficult, and public trust is dangerously undermined.”

This episode is released alongside IRLI’s new Strategy 2026–2030, setting out our commitment to strengthen justice systems, defend the rule of law, and deepen cross-jurisdictional collaboration at a time of global democratic strain.

Presented and produced by Evelyn McClafferty.

With thanks to our donors: Irish Aid.

The views expressed in this episode do not necessarily represent those of IRLI or its donors.