Honorable Mr. President!
Honorable magistrates, law professors, and guests,
Thank you, Mr. Veizi, for this organization in celebration of the Day of Justice!
This is a symbolic day for justice and the rule of law in Albania and as such, celebrating it together with you, magistrates, law professors and collaborators with contributions to the justice system in Albania, makes it even more significant.
The memory of this day is in itself a reflection on justice, as a cornerstone of every democratic society. It is based on fundamental principles such as equality, impartiality, transparency and independence. By guaranteeing justice and protecting the rights of every individual, justice contributes to building a just and balanced society.
The commemoration of this day is a reflection on the journey of justice today and tomorrow in Albania, on the relationship that justice has with society and its institutions.
Public trust in the justice system, according to the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights, is a principle that needs to be preserved. In the case of Gudmundur Andri Astradsson v. Iceland[1], the Court stated that: “283 …. The Court has consistently emphasized the special role that the judiciary plays in society: as the guarantor of justice, a fundamental value in a state governed by the rule of law, it must have the trust of all in order to carry out its mission effectively”.
The mission of magistrates, as protectors of individual rights and fundamental freedoms, goes beyond the simple adjudication of a dispute, and any bias in their decisions weakens this protection, undermining public confidence in the judicial system’s commitment to justice.
In this regard, what is considered necessary is respecting final decisions. This respect will only exist when the justice system demonstrates independence, impartiality, sufficient attention and humanity, and will need to respond in an efficient, quick and appropriate manner which is accessible to all. Unjustified and unnecessary delays in a procedure are contrary to both the principle and the spirit of justice.
The role of HIJ should not be seen simply in the disciplinary punitive dimension, but in a broader educational and preventive aspect, in order to create a highly ethical and professional culture in the judiciary. In this way, this institution is committed to becoming a true supporter of the principles of the rule of law, while maintaining the delicate balance between accountability and independence of the judiciary.
The independence of magistrates is not a privilege granted for their personal benefit, but is guaranteed to them, in the interest of those seeking justice. It is not a question of protecting them (the magistrates), but of ensuring the credibility of the justice system. Undermining it would weaken the authority of the state and compromise one of its essential functions. Independence is necessary to maintain public confidence in the impartiality of the administration of justice, as it is an essential criteria for the respect and acceptance of judicial decisions by those seeking justice.
Thank you!
[1] 11 December 2020, no. 26374/18, ECHR
