Rome, 9 January 2026
The Director-General notes with regret the recent decision by the United States, a founding Member Party, to withdraw from the International Development Law Organization (IDLO).
The United States has been a valued and long-standing partner for IDLO. Working together, we have achieved important results by delivering targeted rule-of-law solutions that help partners advance peace and stability and address development challenges across diverse contexts.
As the only global intergovernmental organization exclusively dedicated to promoting the rule of law, IDLO’s four decades of experience, working in some 100 countries, confirms that the rule of law is a powerful force for promoting peace, unlocking development potential, and protecting human rights for all.
Whether the goal is to reduce conflict and violent extremism, to combat corruption and illicit financial flows, to manage migration more effectively, or to foster stable environments for trade and investment, fair and effective justice systems, technical expertise, and legal empowerment are a key part of the solution.
At the international level, the rule of law underpins the sovereign equality of States, supports the peaceful resolution of disputes, and provides a framework for countries to cooperate fairly and effectively in addressing shared challenges.
At the national level, it enables governments to deliver tangible benefits for their people, from safer communities and accountable institutions to legal equality and economic opportunity.
IDLO remains fully focused on delivering on its mandate and supporting the people and communities it serves. We are grateful for the sustained trust and support of our Member Parties and partners. The Organization will continue to play its unique role in the multilateral system, championing the rule of law and advancing practical and innovative approaches to support national priorities and improve people’s lives.
About IDLO
The International Development Law Organization (IDLO) is the only global intergovernmental organization exclusively dedicated to promoting the rule of law to advance peace and sustainable development.
Established as an intergovernmental organization in 1988 and headquartered in Rome, IDLO works with governments, civil society, and other partners to strengthen justice systems and support legally grounded solutions to complex development challenges.
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