IDLO empowers people and enables governments to reform laws and institutions to promote peace, justice, social development and sustainable economic growth.

Our vision is of a world free of poverty where every human being lives in dignity and under the rule of law.

Our mission is to strengthen the rule of law, human rights and good governance in developing countries.

IDLO is an intergovernmental organization that offers legal expertise, resources, tools and professional support to governments, multilateral partners, and civil society organizations. It carries out research and advocacy at national and international levels. Bringing together a range of diverse local, national and international stakeholders and working in an enabling rather than directive or prescriptive way, IDLO acts as a catalyst for significant social change.

IDLO’s work reflects the interdependence between the rule of law, human security and economic development. It enhances respect for human rights; encourages economic activity by providing a legal framework for business, trade and investment; and strengthens good governance through transparency and accountability of institutions.

While IDLO operates in all developing regions of the world, it has gained significant experience in countries emerging from conflict.

 
Since its establishment in 1983, IDLO has worked with over 20,000 legal professionals in 175 countries. Its growing worldwide network – consisting of 47 independent alumni associations and a roster of some 2,500 experts – gives the organization a unique possibility to draw on expertise from around the world. Its core staff include highly experienced jurists specialized in legal and judicial reform, human rights, health, international trade, intellectual property, environmental law and sustainable development.

IDLO has its headquarters in Rome, a liaison office for the United Nations in New York, and country offices in Afghanistan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, South Sudan, Somalia (based in Nairobi) and Tajikistan.

IDLO was granted Observer Status by the United Nations General Assembly in 2001. It is supported financially by voluntary contributions from governments, multilateral organizations, private foundations and businesses.

 

Member Parties Australia France Paraguay Austria Italy Peru Bulgaria Jordan Philippines Burkina Faso Kenya Romania China Kuwait Senegal Colombia Mozanbique Sudan Ecuador Netherlands Turkey Egypt Norway Tunisia El Salvador OFID USA

International Advisory Council Abdel-Latif Al-Hamad: Chairman and CEO, Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development  Abdou Diouf: Former President of the Republic of Senegal  William H. Gates Sr.: Co-Chair, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation  Thomas Pickering: Former United States Ambassador and Under Secretary of State  Mary Robinson: Former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights  Albie Sachs: Justice, Constitutional Court of South Africa