International Law

Members of 33 Bedford Row offer a range of expertise and experience in the practice of international law.

Members are available to take instructions from solicitors’ firms, or by way of direct access.


INTERNATIONAL LAW

Members are regularly instructed on various areas of international law including international criminal law, international human rights law and international law in domestic courts.  See member’s profiles for more details on their individual practices.

International Criminal Law

There is considerable expertise in the area of international criminal law.  Members have, and are currently, conducting a number of cases before international tribunals and courts including the International Criminal Court (ICC); the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and Special Court for Sierra Leone (SCSL).

Members bring significant experience representing the interest of suspects and accused persons before international tribunals, as well as on the representation of victims of international crimes, governments, witnesses and amicus applicants.

International Human Rights Law

Members of chambers have extensive experience providing legal advice and conducting litigation on issues of international human rights law. Experience bringing human rights claims and complaints before key human rights courts and bodies, includes before:

  • European Court of Human Rights;
  • African Court and Commission for Human and Peoples’ Rights,
  • Inter-American Court of Human Rights;
  • UN Working Group for Arbitrary Detention;
  • UN Committee on Enforced Disappearances;
  • UN Committee against Torture; and
  • UN Special Procedures (before Special Rapporteurs).

Members have also advised and consulted with international NGOs and organisations, and with law firms, on issues of international human rights.

International Law in Domestic Courts

Members have experience raising issues of international human rights violations and international crimes before domestic courts, including:

  • Detention Abroad and Diplomatic Protection: Members have experience advising on the situation of British nationals detained abroad; including in hostage taking situations and to request Diplomatic Protection of British nationals.  This includes the representation of British / Iranian dual national Mr Anoosheh Ashoori and his family, by members of Chambers.  Mr Ashoori was unlawfully detained and held hostage in Iran for over five years and his case was successfully resolved upon his release and return to the UK in March 2022.
  • Universal jurisdiction: Members have experience advising international clients on options to address international crimes and violations under the principle of universal jurisdiction in the UK and other States. This includes experience issuing complaints before the Metropolitan Police War Crimes Unit (SO15) to request the opening of an investigation into international crimes.
  • Civil remedies for international crimes: Members have experience bringing civil actions in various jurisdictions for the commission of international crimes and violations, including before US Federal Court by way of the Alien Tort Statute and Torture Victim Protection Act.


HUMAN RIGHTS AND CIVIL LIBERTIES

33 Bedford Row has considerable experience in the area of domestic human rights and civil liberties. This includes experience with cases involving issues of fair trials, unlawful detention, torture, human trafficking and modern slavery. Members also have experience with cases concerning children's rights under the UNCRC. Members regularly deliver training and workshops on these topics. Members also provide advice on human rights aspects within extradition proceedings. 

Members have a strong practice in the area of civil liberties and human rights, including:

  • Actions against the police;
  • Prisoners’ rights; 
  • Inquests; 
  • Unlawful detention;
  • Fair trial rights; and
  • Children's rights under the UNCRC. 

Notable Cases:

  • Immigration detention cases - Members have experience challenging the detention of non-British individuals by way of judicial review claims and immigration bail applications relying on human rights law. Members have also represented clients on a pro bono basis via Bail for Immigration Detainees. Clients often include survivors of human trafficking, modern slavery or torture. Many cases involve issues concerning the separation of parent and child.
  • S v Secretary of State for the Home Department - Member of team represented asylum seeker in their judicial review claim challenging the Home Office's delay in making a decision on their application, relying on human rights issues. After service, the Home Office determined the application in the client's favour.
  • R v N; R v G; R v A - Member of team stopped prosecutions where the Crown Prosecution Service had not complied with their disclosure duties, rendering any trial unfair. 
  • Police complaints - Member of team leaders Harrow Law Centre's Victims of Crime Project where they are responsible for ensuring the rights and duties enshrined in The Code of Practice for Victims of Crime are followed. This involves making police complaints in cases concerning police failures to conduct a full investigation or uphold the Code. 

For further information please contact Senior Clerk, Gary Reed on 0207 242 6476, or email: g.reed@33bedfordrow.co.uk 
 

International Law