As the National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) representative to the International Association of Prosecutors (IAP), Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin will attend and lead a discussion at the IAP's 18th annual conference in Moscow this week.
The IAP was formed in 1995 at the encouragement of the United Nations. It has over 1400 individual members and 120 organizational members from more than 130 countries. IAP publishes the U.N. Guidelines for Prosecutors, addresses growth in serious international and transnational crimes, and allows prosecutors to develop networks, share best practices and communicate with each other quickly.
The focus of the 18th IAP Annual Conference is the prosecutor and the rule of law, and will allow consideration of the most important aspects of prosecutorial activities. This world forum of prosecutors will discuss problems, share experiences and identify trends in the development of national prosecution services in the 21st century.
While at the conference, AG Kilmartin will lead a panel discussion on human rights and the principle of equality, the special role of prosecutors in defending human rights, the position of prosecutors within society and relations with other relevant public officials, and essential ethical standards for prosecutors to ensure integrity in the criminal justice system.
"Prosecutors are called upon to uphold rule of law by applying a fair, consistent, impartial and effective enforcement of the law. Without the commitment to protect and preserve human rights, a critical component to the rule of law, the criminal justice system and governing institutions risk losing all credibility and moral authority," said Attorney General Kilmartin. "The rule of law and the commitment to uphold and protect the rule of law crosses international borders. I firmly believe that engaging in honest discussion with prosecutors and leaders from across the globe on complex and often divisive issues will result in a better understanding of our shared interests and, ultimately, improving human rights within the international justice system. I am honored to represent my fellow attorneys general, Rhode Island and the United States in front of this distinguished group of world leaders."
Approximately 500 prosecutors, government officials and law enforcement from six continents are expected to attend the four-day conference.
Attorney General Kilmartin hosted the IAP's North American and Caribbean Regional Conference in Providence in August. The conference covered best practices for several international law enforcement and prosecution issues including human trafficking, intellectual property theft, cybercrime, and weapons and drug trafficking.
The National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG), www.naag.org, was founded in 1907 to help attorneys general fulfil the responsibilities of their office and to assist in the delivery of high quality legal services to the 56 state and territorial jurisdictions.