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Sochi Hosts BRICS Chief Justices Forum
The BRICS Chief Justices Forum took place in Sochi on 18–19 June 2024 as part of Russia’s BRICS Chairship.
Opening the Forum plenary session on 19 June, Russian Supreme Court Chief Justice Irina Podnosova pointed out that the agenda included discussions of a wide range of issues concerning the administration of justice and taking into account all current trends in the evolution of judicial proceedings: “The Forum programme also contains cross-cutting issues that affect all types of judicial proceedings and are crucial to various aspects of judicial activity. It includes the incorporation of digital technologies into judicial processes that make justice more accessible for citizens and organizations, allow them to interact with courts remotely, eliminate paperwork, and reduce the time needed to consider cases. The wide range of capabilities offered by modern technologies is helping to improve the standards of judicial independence. Discussing these issues will help us find new paths and solutions related to the use of software in the work of courts.”
“The Forum’s work serves to strengthen trust and cooperation between BRICS members and develop our legal systems, and helps to achieve mutual understanding on such issues as improving judicial proceedings and ensuring the uniformity of judicial practice,” the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin said in his address to the Forum participants.
Forum speakers repeatedly noted in their speeches that a constant international dialogue can promote mutual understanding in administering justice, strengthening trust and cooperation, and enriching legal systems.
“In recent years, information technology has become an everyday part of society. The supreme courts of BRICS countries emphasize the importance of introducing modern technologies both in the organizational activities of the courts and directly in the administration of justice. It is also important to remember the risks that may arise from overreliance on modern digital technologies that have not been thoroughly studied. The Forum participants will continue to exchange experience as well as discuss potential challenges in this area,” according to the joint statement that was issued by the Forum.
Representatives of the supreme courts noted the importance of continuing a meaningful dialogue between BRICS supreme courts and emphasized that they share the idea of the need to further develop cooperation and arrange mutual visits and training programmes in order to ensure the harmonization of judicial systems and build equal partnerships.
Podnosova noted that the joint statement adopted upon conclusion of the Forum underscored the similarity of the positions of the chief justices of BRICS supreme courts on key issues concerning the enforcement of law:
“It conveys the idea that, despite the differences in the judicial system and national specifics of judicial proceedings, we are united by a common goal: the desire for legality, justice, and the effective judicial protection of the rights of citizens and organizations.”
Summing up the results of the BRICS Chief Justices Forum, Podnosova noted: “The results of our work will definitely contribute to the harmonization of legal systems and the convergence of legal approaches in our states, and the opinions expressed by the speakers will be taken into account in our work, including when preparing proposals to improve legislation and law enforcement practice.”
“The interaction of judicial systems in BRICS significantly helps to increase the legal protection of citizens and businesses, and the implementation of the fundamental principles of justice. It is good that the inclusion of new member countries in BRICS has allowed us to meet in an expanded format, because the inclusiveness and diversity of the experience that has been provided help us more effectively cope with the challenges facing the judiciary today,” Podnosova said.
The Roscongress Foundation manages the events of Russia’s BRICS Chairship.
