"Whereas professional associations of lawyers have a vital role to play in upholding professional standards and ethics, protecting their members from persecution and improper restrictions and infringements, providing legal services to all in need of them, and co-operating with governmental and other institutions in furthering the ends of justice and public interest, "The Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers, set forth below, which have been formulated to assist Member States in their task of promoting and ensuring the proper role of lawyers, should be respected and taken into account by Governments within the framework of their national legislation and practice and should be brought to the attention of lawyers as well as other persons, such as judges, prosecutors, members of the executive and the legislature, and the public in general. These principles shall also apply, as appropriate, to persons who exercise the functions of lawyers without having the formal status of lawyers. "Access to lawyers and legal services "1. Everyone is entitled to call upon the assistance of a lawyer of his choice to protect and establish his rights and to defend him in all stages of criminal proceedings. "2. Governments shall ensure that efficient procedures and responsive mechanisms for effective and equal access to lawyers are provided for all persons within their territory and subject to their jurisdiction, without distinction of any kind, such as discrimination based on race, colour, ethnic origin, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, economic or other status. "3. Governments shall ensure the provision of sufficient funding and other resources for legal services to be provided to the poor and, as necessary, to other disadvantaged persons. Professional associations of lawyers shall co-operate in the organization and provision of services, facilities and other resources.
**Analysis**
The text appears to focus on the role of lawyers in promoting and upholding professional standards, ethics, and access to legal services. It emphasizes the importance of governments ensuring equal access to lawyers and legal services for all persons, without distinction of any kind. The text also highlights the need for sufficient funding and resources for legal services, particularly for the poor and disadvantaged. Given the focus on legal services and human rights, it is likely that the text falls under a category related to human rights and social issues.

**Category**
Humanitarian aid and relief, Employment