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Chattanooga Litigation Attorney Hugh Moore Joined International Delegation of Lawyers in Bogota, Columbia, to Assess Alleged Violations of Human Rights
Sept. 14, 2010
Hugh J. Moore, an attorney with Chattanooga-based firm Chambliss, Bahner & Stophel, recently returned from a pro bono trip to Colombia, South America as a representative of Lawyers Without Borders. The purpose of the trip was to meet with Colombian lawyers and government officials to discuss the challenges that lawyers face in that country.
The visit was a part of Caravana Internacional de Juristas 2010, and was arranged and organized by ACADEUM, an organization of Colombian lawyers. ACADEUM is working to raise awareness about the role of lawyers in a democracy, and the right of attorneys not to be linked to the causes of their clients.
Lawyers Without Borders works to protect the integrity of the judicial process worldwide using pro bono resources and the volunteer service of lawyers and judges. Its mission is fulfilled by advancing the Rule of Law worldwide.
Moore was one of 55 lawyers from 13 different nations that partnered together to give their time to help assess the threats against the legal profession in Colombia. Attorneys met with Colombia government officials including the Deputy Attorney General and the Vice President of the country.
“Colombia faces immense challenges in regards to its legal system. The legal system is changing from a European to an American/English model, which is causing difficulties for resident lawyers, “says Moore. “We also wanted to examine levels of access to justice in the country. We believe that continued monitoring of the situation will help improve matters for lawyers there.”
Caravana International de Juristas will release a full report about the legal situation in Colombia on Human Rights Day, December 10, 2010.