GENEVA - The UN Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers, Margaret Satterthwaite, will conduct a country visit to Poland from 18 to 29 May 2026.
During her visit, Satterthwaite will assess measures taken by Poland to ensure the independence of the judiciary, the impartiality of the prosecution service and the free exercise of the legal profession.
The Special Rapporteur will address issues related to the structure, organisation and functioning of the judiciary and the prosecution service, the status of the administration of justice, the protection of actors in the justice system and the right to a fair trial, including from a gender perspective. She will also examine equal access to justice and legal assistance, seeking to understand how people in Poland experience the judicial system.
The expert will meet with Government officials and members of Parliament, judges, prosecutors and lawyers, and representatives of civil society, academia, UN agencies and the diplomatic community.
Satterthwaite will hold a press conference on Friday 29 May at 11:00 (local time) at Mercure Warszawa Centrum. Access is strictly limited to accredited journalists.
The Special Rapporteur will present her report to the Human Rights Council in June 2027.
