Human Rights

Human rights and the rule of law are not synonymous, but they do overlap and function symbiotically. In the words of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, they "represent universally applicable standards adopted under the auspices of the United Nations and must therefore serve as the normative basis for all United Nations activities in support of justice and the rule of law."

To summarize, the stronger human rights, the stronger the rule of law. Together, they form a framework for decision- and policy-making that is anchored by legality, accountability and participation. In this, they create a fertile ground for development and social transformation.

Justice for children: Bridging rights and development

“This topic goes to the heart of human rights, individual dignity and sustainable development”, remarked IDLO’s Permanent Observer to the United Nations in Geneva, Mr. Julian Fleet, opening a panel discussion on access to justice for children.

IDLO launches global consultations on customary and informal justice systems

The Hague, February 4, 2019 – “Access to justice will remain elusive for many people unless there is meaningful engagement with customary and informal justice systems,” remarked Dr. Ilaria Bottigliero, IDLO’s Director for Policy, Research and Learning as she launched the first of a series of Consultations on the subject with practitioners and policy thinkers.

Highlights from IDLO Partnership Forum

Held annually on the occasion of the organization’s Assembly of Parties, IDLO’s highest decision-making governance body, the Partnership Forum took place from November 20 – 21 in Rome to inspire and stimulate dialogue between key actors around the obstacles and opportunities for the rule of law.

Highlights from IDLO Partnership Forum 2018

H.E. Inga King: The rule of law is crucial for sustainable development

"We all long for justice" UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights

Assembly of Parties and Partnership Forum 2018

The forthcoming Annual Meeting of the Assembly of Parties and Partnership Forum 2018 will take place on November 20 and 21, 2018.

Spotlight on NCDs at the UN: The intersection of health, gender and law

“The rule of law is a crucial part of the response to non-communicable diseases (NCDs),” IDLO’s Director-General, Irene Khan, told assembled Heads of State and Government in New York on the occasion of the 73rd United Nations General Assembly. “Yet, law is not necessarily the first thing that comes to mind. That is understandable.

Mary Robinson on the need for the rule of law and champions of justice

HRC39 | Annual discussion on the integration of a gender perspective

39th Session of the Human Rights Council: Annual discussion on the integration of a gender perspective throughout the work of the Human Rights Council and that of its mechanisms

STATEMENT OF THE INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT LAW ORGANIZATION

Room XX, Palais des Nations, Geneva, Switzerland

Key Initiatives

Evaluation of the “Law Schools – HIV” Project

As part of IDLO’s continuous commitment to accountability and results-based management, IDLO is pleased to share this Evaluati
Strengthening the Alternative Dispute Resolution in Somalia

Lack of access to a fair and equitable justice system is one of the most pressing problems confronting modern Somalia on its path towards stability and reconstruction. Informal justice systems, offering alternative dispute resolution are often much better placed to respond to the immediate justice needs of many Somalis seeking justice, as they have more legitimacy and are more easily accessible. To enhance access to justice in Somalia, it is therefore essential to engage with the alternative dispute resolution systems.
Somalia Joint Justice Program

In Somalia, alternative justice mechanisms remain the main providers of justice services for lack of formal justice institutions. However, these justice mechanisms can be discriminatory particularly against women, youth and minority clans.
Strengthening the capacity to investigate human rights violations in Yemen

Yemen, one of the poorest countries in the Arab world, has been devastated by armed conflict since September 2014. The conflict has received limited international coverage and human rights violations and violations under international humanitarian law suffered by the civilian population have been grossly underreported. All parties to the conflict have been linked to serious violations of international law, with inadequate accountability mechanisms in place to ensure justice for victims.
Prevention and accountability for sexual and gender-based violence in Myanmar

Strengthening prevention and accountability for sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) through the rule of law and access to justice has been a priority for the Government of Myanmar since 2011, when it embarked on an unprecedented transition towards democracy. SGBV cases are rarely reported and, when they are, the justice sector fails to provide adequate remedies. Therefore, there is a widely recognized need to increase prevention of and accountability for SGBV.