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HLPF 2024 | African countries, Least Developed Countries and Landlocked Developing Countries

Statement by the International Development Law Organization (IDLO)

Building resilience and capacity in times of crises and transition
New York, 11 July 2024
 

Excellencies,

It is a pleasure to participate on behalf of the International Development Law Organization, the only global intergovernmental organization exclusively devoted to promoting the rule of law to advance peace and sustainable development.

IDLO has been a longstanding partner of several Least Developed and Landlocked Developing Countries, in Africa and Asia, where we support solutions to complex development challenges, from food insecurity to pandemic preparedness.

Our work in these countries is guided by our core values, especially putting people and their needs at the centre of our efforts and ensuring that our programming is nationally owned in the broadest possible sense.

In our experience, the rule of law can be a powerful driver for peace and sustainable development. It can help address the root causes of conflict and insecurity, promote prosperity and equitable digital innovation, and tackle challenges like gender inequality and climate change.

Allow me to share three examples.

First, the rule of law can encourage growth by providing stability and certainty, and resolving disputes fairly and expeditiously.

The development of sound policy and regulatory frameworks, grounded in the rule of law, can help to increase access to justice, eliminate discriminatory laws and practices, reduce corruption, and enhance transparency.

In so doing, the rule of law creates an enabling environment for inclusive economic development, sustainable investment and trade.

The Investment Support Programme for Least Developed Countries, or ISP/LDCs, is at the core of IDLO’s efforts to foster inclusive development. The programme obtained explicit recognition in the 2022 Doha Programme of Action for the LDCs.

ISP/LDCs is an innovative and demand-driven programme that mobilizes private sector support to provide free of charge technical assistance and capacity development to LDCs on investment-related matters.

Some 10 LDC Governments and state-owned enterprises have received assistance under the programme.

Second, the rule of law can help make development more inclusive and sustainable.

Effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels can support the equitable implementation of legal and policy frameworks and promote participation in decision-making, including those most at risk of being left behind.

We know that the full and equal participation of women and girls in public life for example is both a human right and essential for development.

IDLO works in partnership with UN Women, and governments in many countries, to undertake comprehensive reviews to identify and reform gender discriminatory laws. And we place priority on increasing the participation of women in all parts of the justice sector.

Third and finally, the rule of law can help combat climate change and environmental degradation, by empowering people and communities to claim their rights and participate in climate decision-making.

IDLO stands ready to expand and deepen its partnership with the OHRLLS, governments, the private sector, civil society, and other partners, including in the implementation of the Doha Programme of Action for LDCs and the next Programme of Action for LLDCs.