Interview with Ms Justice Aileen Donnelly

In October, Ms Justice Aileen Donnelly was interviewed by the European Judicial Training Network (‘EJTN’) as part of its ‘Women in Justice’ series. The interview series, launched in connection with the International Day of the Girl Child, highlights some of the inspiring women leaders within the network.

When asked about what inspired her to work within the area of safeguarding human rights, Ms Justice Donnelly said:

“I consider defending and safeguarding human rights as a basic part of the work of all judges. In every case, there is a responsibility on a judge to ensure that the dignity of the participants is respected and that a fair trial is accorded to the parties. 

Having said that, some cases require a more direct engagement with human rights issues and call for specific rulings on whether human rights provisions have been violated. As a practising lawyer I was drawn to those issues because I viewed the law as the most appropriate way in which to ensure that human beings were treated with respect and equality. On becoming a judge, I was often assigned to deal with cases which built upon my expertise in these areas.”

The full interview with Ms Justice Donnelly can be read here. 

The EJTN is  the principal platform and promoter for the training and exchange of knowledge amongst members of the European judiciary.