My experience of working under a coup in Fiji, where life became so difficult and judicial independence was sorely challenged, taught me the value of collective support for judges and their families. The kindness and wisdom of judges like Sir Thomas Eichelbaum and Michael Kirby meant so very much as Katherine and I knew we were not alone.
That lesson proved so valuable again for the judges of Yemen when I was asked to advise on their role in the rule of law as the country fractured around them, and it then became an essential duty to record their family stories of torture and assassination. Some were rescued, others were not able to be saved, but their stories are written. They, too, I hope, knew they were not alone.
At this Easter time, during the pandemic, I am reminded of the phrase Dumas used as a rousing chorus for his musketeers. It was first recorded at a meeting in 1618 between leaders of the Bohemian, Catholic and Protestant communities. Fleeing French persecution, a representative of the Protestants read a letter affirming their determined unity in the face of great difficulty he said:
"As they also absolutely intended to proceed with the execution against us, we came to unanimous agreement among ourselves that, regardless of any loss of life and limb, honour and property, we would stand firm, with all for one and one for all... nor would we be subservient, but rather we would loyally help and protect each other to the utmost, against all difficulties”
JANZ continues to work for that unity at home and abroad. I have received many messages and requests for information and support over the last weeks from judges in countries as far afield as Norway and Thailand sharing ideas and asking questions about how we are managing the crisis. It is the same lesson of unity repeated.
We wish you peace. Nga manakitanga.
Gerard Winter, JANZ president