Judges of Constitutional Courts from 88 Countries Support the Concept of Protecting the Human Rights of Future Generations
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The Chairperson of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Elvira Azimova, took part in the VI Congress of the World Conference on Constitutional Justice, which was held from October 28 to 31 in Madrid. The Congress was held under the overarching theme “Human Rights for Future Generations.” It was organized with the support of the Constitutional Court of the Kingdom of Spain, in cooperation with the Venice Commission—the advisory body of the Council of Europe on constitutional matters.
The Congress brought together more than 300 participants, including presidents and judges of constitutional courts from 88 countries around the world. The main goal of the event was to discuss ways to further strengthen the rule of law and the role of constitutional review in achieving this objective.
At the opening ceremony, welcoming addresses were delivered by Félix Bolaños García, Minister of the Presidency, Justice, and Parliamentary Relations of Spain; Gianni Buquicchio, Special Representative and Honorary President of the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe; and Cándido Conde-Pumpido Tourón, President of the Constitutional Court of Spain.
The presidents of four regional courts also joined the Congress online: the Court of Justice of the European Union, the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, and the European Court of Human Rights.
The Congress proceedings were structured around five thematic sessions.
Marco D’Alberti, Judge of the Constitutional Court of Italy, dedicated his presentation to the preservation of natural resources and the environment.
Kadir Özkaya, President of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Türkiye, addressed the issue of safeguarding humanity’s cultural heritage.
Irēna Kucina, President of the Constitutional Court of Latvia, emphasized the importance of ensuring access to scientific knowledge and modern technologies.
Special attention was given to the independence of constitutional courts. Cándido Conde-Pumpido Tourón, President of the Constitutional Court of Spain, underscored that the independence of constitutional review bodies remains a central topic at all World Conference congresses, as it forms the foundation of constitutional justice and the protection of citizens’ rights.
As part of the Congress, meetings of the Bureau and the General Assembly of the World Conference on Constitutional Justice, as well as those of the regional and linguistic groups, were also held. The Bureau comprises representatives of regional and linguistic groups, courts that hosted previous and upcoming Congresses, and four courts elected by the General Assembly, each representing one of the following continents: Africa, the Americas, Asia/Oceania, and Europe.
The Congress concluded with a ceremonial session attended by His Majesty King Felipe VI of Spain. Following the General Assembly, participants adopted a Joint Madrid Communiqué, in which they unanimously recognized the key role of constitutional courts in protecting the dignity, rights, and freedoms of future generations. The Communiqué also highlighted the importance of ensuring sustainable development, as well as environmental and digital justice, while maintaining adherence to international commitments and upholding judicial independence and integrity.
Participants stressed that respect for the legitimacy and independence of the judiciary is a guarantee of the rule of law and public trust, serving as an essential mechanism for the effective protection of the rights of all citizens.
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The World Conference on Constitutional Justice (WCCJ) unites the constitutional courts, councils, and supreme courts of more than 124 countries across Africa, the Americas, Asia, Australia/Oceania, and Europe. The Conference promotes constitutional justice as a key element of democracy, human rights protection, and the rule of law.