“Without a fair trial, it’s easy to find yourself being dragged through a system that is confusing, intimidating, and lonely” … “Without fair trials, trust in the government and the rule of law collapses” …
Fair Trials, a human rights organisation, has created a new animation showing what it would feel like to live in a world without fair trials.
The story behind the video
To accompany the animation, Fair Trials have set up a website: www.withoutfairtrials.org, which explains why fair trial rights are important, what they mean and the consequences if they are not respected. For example, the right to a fair trial encompasses the right to access a lawyer, the right to be presumed innocent until proved guilty if accused of a criminal offence and the right to be told the case against you in a language you understand.
When does someone have the right to a fair trial?
The right applies whenever there is a determination of someone’s civil rights and obligations or any criminal charge against them. The animation looks at the importance of the right to a fair trial from the police station, to the courtroom and in prison.
Why does it matter?
The animation highlights that around the world, fair trial rights are being denied to many people, everyday. For example, the website accompanying the animation says that in China, imprisoned human rights defenders are being denied access to lawyers and in Spain it is common for suspects not to be given information about the case against them until shortly before the trial starts.
It is hugely important to ensure that accused persons and those exercising civil rights (or complying with obligations) are protected by the fundamental guarantees which the right to a fair trial affords.
And if you like animations about human rights…
For more information:
- Take a look at RightsInfo’s infographic poster on the right to a fair trial.
- See RightsInfo’s explainer on the importance of the right to a fair trial.
- Subscribe to RightsInfo and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more human rights news, views and information.
