The Asia, Australia, North America, and Oceania (ANAO) region of the International Association of Judges (IAJ) joins in the expression of concern by our colleagues in Australia regarding the appointment of the Attorney General as acting Chief Justice in Kiribati.
We note that on August 17,2022, the Unites Nation Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges called for reinstatement of Judge David Lambourne and Chief Justice William Hastings to their positions in accordance with the judgment of the Court of Appeal.
The appointment of the Attorney General to the position of acting Chief Justice under these circumstances calls into question both the independence of the judiciary and proper regard for du process and the rule of law.
We call upon the government of Kiribati to reaffirm its commitment to upholding those fundamental principles.