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.

Advancing the Right to Health: The Vital Role of Law

Can we achieve the SDG health targets without the rule of law? Effective laws and an enabling legal environment are as essential to a healthy society as clean water.

New report offers global resource on using the law to improve health

Soda tax in Mexico. Salt limits in South Africa. Plain tobacco packaging in Australia. National health insurance in Ghana. Mandatory motorcycle helmets in Vietnam.

They’re just some of the hundreds of examples of the vital role the law plays in safeguarding and promoting good health around the world.

Collection of papers on human rights in South Sudan

IDLO and the University of Juba’s College of Law (COL) have published a collection of papers titled ‘Towards a People Centered Human Rights State in South Sudan’, initially presented by African academics and experts at a symposium held in May 20

HIV-related legal services for adolescent girls, young women

Adolescent girls and young women account for 71 percent of new HIV infections among young people in sub-Saharan Africa. Uganda reflects this disproportionality, with HIV prevalence among young people aged 15-24 estimated at 4.2% for women but only 2.4% for men.

Lebanon meeting on Law Enforcement and HIV response

IDLO and partners hosted the Second Regional Consultation on Law Enforcement and the HIV Response in Beirut this week. The consultation was attended by representatives from law enforcement agencies and civil society organizations from seven countries in the region: Algeria, Djibouti, Egypt, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine, and Sudan.

IDLO report: freedom of religion not a zero sum game

Freedom of religion should not be considered a zero sum game, where religious rights stand in opposition to other human rights and one person’s win is another person’s loss, according to a new report on the right to freedom of religion and the law published by the International Development Law Organization (IDLO).

Freedom of Religion or Belief: Promoting Peaceful Coexistence through Human Rights

Languages: English, Italiano

33rd Session of the Human Rights Council: Panel discussion on youth and human rights

STATEMENT OF THE INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT LAW ORGANIZATION

33rd Session of the Human Rights Council: Panel Discussion on Youth and Human Rights

September 22, 2016

Geneva

Check against delivery

Mr. President,

Distinguished delegates,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Key Initiatives

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.
Reducing Homicide - Reducir los homicidios

With a view to replacing a culture of violence in Honduras with one of legality, IDLO has outlined a program to reduce violent acts and homicides through better access to justice. Work, carried out in partnership with national institutions and civil society organizations, will focus specifically on vulnerable groups, including women, children, youth and people in detention. The program is financed by the US Department of State.