Rome, November 28, 2017 – Sweden has joined the International Development Law Organization (IDLO), strengthening their partnership and emphasizing the country’s commitment to supporting the rule of law.
Sweden’s accession took place during IDLO’s 2017 meeting of the Assembly of Parties, hosted by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in Rome on November 28 and 29, 2017.
“The prominent work of IDLO – enabling governments to strengthen their work with the furthering and promotion of the rule of law – is of great importance, not only for the safeguarding and promotion of human rights for all, but also for the implementation of the Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals,” said Anna Maj Hultgård, Deputy Head of the Department for International Law, Human Rights and Treaty Law at the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In June 2015, IDLO and Sweden signed a multi-year partnership agreement, highlighting the country’s recognition of the importance of the rule of law for international development. Since then, the Swedish Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) has provided financial support for IDLO to carry out its mandate to further the rule of law and development.
In addition, Sweden is currently supporting a community justice program in Uganda to enhance the accessibility, quality and sustainability of justice services and support access to justice at the community level.
Welcoming Sweden’s accession, IDLO’s Director-General Irene Khan said: “Sweden’s membership of IDLO will strengthen our joint partnership to ensure access to justice for all and put the rights of women and girls at the heart of sustainable development.”
Ms. Hultgård also drew attention to Sweden’s support for gender equality, including as the first country in the world to pursue a feminist foreign policy.
