Category: About the WJA

About the WJA

A world ruled by law, not force” has been the World Jurist Association’s mission since its founding in 1963. The WJA was formed in response to an international outcry for a free and open forum where judges, lawyers, law professors and other professionals from around the world could work cooperatively to strengthen and expand the Rule of Law and its institutions throughout the world.

As a non-governmental organization with special consultative status at the United Nations Economic and Social Council, the WJA provides a unique forum for the international community. We have worked closely with governments, non-governmental organizations and international associations to foster a cooperative dialogue on world peace. Through our support, decision-makers from around the world work together as individuals, rather than representatives of a particular country, class or ideology.

With more than 60 years of accomplishments, the WJA is one of the few organizations working with such a broad range of stakeholders to promote the Rule of Law as the path towards world peace. Our members include sitting and retired Chief Justices, judges, government officials, law professors, lawyers, law students and law-related professionals. We have National Presidents in countries around the globe, and our Board of Governors represents every continent and aspect of the legal profession.

This is a brief look at the ways in which the WJA has sought to build the foundation for a system of laws that will ensure peace without the use of force. The WJA is committed to its continuation of ensuring peace through the Rule of Law for all generations.

Our Mission

” A World Ruled by Law, Not Force”

The WJA was formed in 1963 in response to an international outcry for a free and open forum. This forum allows for judges, lawyers, law professors and other professionals from around the world to work cooperatively to raise public support for the institutions that govern and enforce the administration of international law.

As a non-governmental organization with special consultative status at the UN Economic and Social Council, the WJA finds an alternative method to reach the international community. We have worked closely with governments, non-governmental organizations and international associations to show how nations can constructively use, not forgo, their sovereignty through international law. With our support, legal decision-makers from around the world work together as individuals, rather than representatives of a particular country, class or ideology.

With nearly 50 years of accomplishments, the WJA is one of the few organizations working with such a broad range of stakeholders to promote the Rule of Law as the path towards world peace. Our members include sitting and retired Chief Justices, judges, government officials, law professors, lawyers and students from over 140 different countries. We have National Presidents in 85 countries and our Board of Governors represents every continent and aspect of the legal profession. read more >>

Board of Directors

PRESIDENT

  • Javier Cremades García, Spain

EXECUTIVE VICE-PRESIDENT

  • Kim Quarles, USA

VICE PRESIDENTS

  • Eduardo Ferrer Mac-Gregor, Mexico
  • Kelly Mogbo, Nigeria
  • Huang Jin, China
  • James Black II, USA
  • Cheol-Kyu Hwang, South Korea

GENERAL COUNSEL

  • William Eshelman, USA
  • David Kovel, USA

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

  • Teodora Toma, Romania

 

Other Officers of the WJA

PRESIDENT OF THE WORLD ASSOCIATION OF LAWYERS (WAL)

  • Francisco Javier Lara, Spain

WJA DELEGATE TO UN GENEVA & PRESIDENT, WJA HUMAN RIGHTS INSTITUTE

  • Juan Carlos Gutiérrez, Venezuela

WJA DELEGATE TO UN VIENNA

  • Gabriel Fernández Rojas, Colombia

WJA DELEGATE TO THE INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT (ICC)

  • Tamara Sujú Roa, Venezuela

PROJECT DIRECTOR

  • Yacky Rodríguez Velásquez, Venezuela

 

Past Presidents

  • Franklin Hoet-Linares, Venezuela (2015-2019, 1991-1993)
  • Alexander J. Bĕlohlávek, Czech Republic (2011-2015)
  • Valeriy Yevdokymov, Ukraine (2009-2011, 2003-2005)
  • Ronald M. Greenberg, USA* (2005-2009)
  • Hans Thümmel, Germany (2001-2003)
  • Daniel J. Monaco, USA* (1999-2001)
  • Ved P. Nanda, USA (1997-1999)
  • Lucio Ghia, Italy (1995-1997)
  • Raul I. Goco, Philippines (1993-1995)

Charles Rhyne, USA* – Founding President (1963-1991)

   * Deceased