Dear Affiliated Organisations and National Sections,

By this time you will have received the registration form for the ICJ World Congress in December 2008. We very much hope you will be able to attend.

As you know the event will gather ICJ Commissioners, Honorary Members, and representatives of ICJ National Sections and Affiliated Organisations from around the world. The theme of this years Congress will be Œthe judiciary in times of crisis¹. The Congress will provide the ICJ and its Network with the opportunity to identify how it can work collectively to counteract and combat the challenges which the judiciary encounter in times of crisis.

If you are able to attend the Congress please do submit your registration form to the Conference Coordinator, Sophie Richardson, in the coming weeks
(Email: worldcongress@icj.org, Tel: 0041(0) 22 9793808, Fax: 0041 (0) 22 9793801.

In the meantime I am writing to you to ask for your assistance in financing the participation in the Congress of members of the Network from developing countries who are unable to finance themselves. As you know the cost burden on the ICJ Secretariat of the previous gathering of the ICJ and its Network at the Berlin Biennial in 2004 was very high. We are not in a position this year to bear the same costs. For this reason we are asking that where possible participants consider making a financial contribution to the travel and accommodation costs of those who cannot finance themselves.

For example, a contribution of approximately 2800 USD would enable the Secretariat to finance the travel and accommodation of an ICJ Commissioner or representative of a National Section or Affiliate Organisation from Africa. A contribution of approximately 1150 USD would enable us to finance the travel and accommodation of a member of the ICJ Network from Eastern Europe. A contribution of 480 USD would fully cover the cost of accommodation in Geneva for one participant.

Regular gatherings of the ICJ and its Network are central to the work of the organisation. The forthcoming World Congress will provide participants with an opportunity to interact and strengthen links among themselves and with the ICJ Secretariat. It will provide a vital opportunity for the ICJ community around the world to mobilise in response to pressing rule of law and human rights issues. Any assistance, large or small, which you can give will be greatly welcomed.

If you are able to make a contribution, where possible the Secretariat will use the support to finance a participant from a region you identify, or even from a particular country. We will inform all of those making a contribution whose travel and accommodation they are supporting.

If you are able to make a contribution, or would like further information, please contact the Sophie Richardson
Email: worldcongress@icj.org,
Tel: 0041(0) 22 9793808,
Fax: 0041 (0) 22 9793801.

Best regards

Wilder Tayler
ICJ Deputy Secretary-General