Rights mean little if those entitled to them are not aware they exist. Due process is of doubtful value when you are illiterate, or unable to understand the proceedings. Courts are next to worthless for those who cannot afford the bus fare to reach them. Nor should justice be about courts alone. For all these reasons, legal empowerment is crucial. Part of IDLO's bottom-up (or demand side) approach, it involves equipping people with the knowledge, confidence and skills to realize their rights. Even as we work to improve the functioning of justice systems, we strengthen citizens' capacity to press for justice from below.
The rule of law only exists to the extent that it works for all.
Ukrainian citizens may now apply for same-day marriage under a new pilot project, thanks to efforts by the Ministry of Justice to remove bureaucratic obstacles and deregulate the marriage registration process.
Last year Legal Aid South Africa supported nearly 800,000 people who would otherwise have had no recourse to justice because they could not afford legal fees.
IDLO representatives are participating this week in the 21st International AIDS Conference in Durban, South Africa, which is said to be the largest conference on any global health or development issue.
The Myanmar Union Attorney General H.E. U Tun Tun Oo visited the Yangon Rule of Law Centre where he met with staff and graduates from the rule of law courses and observed an ongoing ‘training of trainers’ course.
More than 9,000 participants, including more than 50 Heads of State, joined the first World Humanitarian Summit (WHS), called by United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, to demonstrate solidarity in the face of the ‘highest level of human suffering since the Second World War.’
“There is no peace and security without democratic governance and development.
“The ASEAN region, with its strong array of justice and development partners, provides an excellent platform to blossom both the letter and the spirit of [the] global goals,” said Dr.
Taken from a speech given by Professor Muhammad Yunus to mark his appointment to the International Advisory Council of IDLO in May 2016.
Nobel Laureate and pioneer of microcredit, Professor Muhammad Yunus has been appointed to IDLO’s International Advisory Council. Following an event to mark his joining this select body of eminent thought leaders who provide high-level counsel to the organization, Professor Yunus spoke to IDLO.
 Policy Statements
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