Fair Trials is a prominent non-governmental organization (NGO) and lobbying entity registered with the EU Transparency Register since March 4, 2015, under registration number 302540016347-29. Its core mission is to promote and defend human rights within the context of criminal justice systems across the European Union and the broader Council of Europe area. Fair Trials seeks to ensure fair and just legal processes, advocating for the implementation and strengthening of legal safeguards for suspects and accused persons throughout Europe.
The organization’s activities are multifaceted and include creating and managing expert networks in criminal justice and human rights, conducting research and surveys, and developing collaborative projects with other stakeholders. Fair Trials also coordinates and contributes to professional trainings, conferences, publications, films, and public campaigns to raise awareness about human rights issues in criminal justice. Strategic litigation and direct support for victims of human rights violations are integral to its approach, as is influencing regional and national governments and organizations to adopt and enforce stronger human rights protections in legal proceedings.
Fair Trials has played a key role in shaping EU legislation and policy, particularly regarding the implementation of several critical directives: the right to interpretation and translation in criminal proceedings (Directive 2010/64/EU), the right to information in criminal proceedings (Directive 2012/13/EU), the right of access to a lawyer (Directive 2013/48/EU), the presumption of innocence and right to be present at trial (Directive 2016/343/EU), special safeguards for children (Directive 2016/800/EU), and the right to legal aid (Directive 2016/1919/EU). More recently, Fair Trials has engaged with the EU’s E-Evidence Regulation (2023/1543) and the AI Act (2024/1689), reflecting its commitment to addressing emerging challenges at the intersection of technology and justice.
Operating from its head office in Brussels, Belgium, Fair Trials maintains a lean but effective team, with three full-time equivalent lobbyists dedicated to its EU advocacy efforts. The organization is recognized for its transparency, regularly disclosing its lobbying activities and financial data. Over the years, Fair Trials has built a reputation as a trusted partner for EU institutions, civil society, and other stakeholders working towards a fairer and more rights-respecting justice system in Europe.
