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.
"We all long for justice" UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights
Assembly of Parties and Partnership Forum 2018
The forthcoming Annual Meeting of the Assembly of Parties and Partnership Forum 2018 will take place on November 20 and 21, 2018.

Spotlight on NCDs at the UN: The intersection of health, gender and law
“The rule of law is a crucial part of the response to non-communicable diseases (NCDs),” IDLO’s Director-General, Irene Khan, told assembled Heads of State and Government in New York on the occasion of the 73rd United Nations General Assembly. “Yet, law is not necessarily the first thing that comes to mind. That is understandable.

Mary Robinson on the need for the rule of law and champions of justice
HRC39 | Annual discussion on the integration of a gender perspective
39th Session of the Human Rights Council: Annual discussion on the integration of a gender perspective throughout the work of the Human Rights Council and that of its mechanisms
STATEMENT OF THE INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT LAW ORGANIZATION
Room XX, Palais des Nations, Geneva, Switzerland

UNGA73 | Nelson Mandela Peace Summit
73rd Session of the United Nations General Assembly: Nelson Mandela Peace Summit
STATEMENT OF THE INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT LAW ORGANIZATION
Genera Assembly Hall, United Nations Headquarters, New York
Issue by Patrizio Civili, Permanent Observer, IDLO
Madam President,
Excellencies,

Upholding International Humanitarian Law in Ukraine
In 2014, a human rights monitoring mission was deployed to investigate alleged crimes and human rights violations in Eastern Ukraine and Crimea.

Justice for women: Access, empowerment and representation
From conflict-affected countries and fragile states, to the halls of the most powerful decision-making bodies, women face significant barriers when it comes to access to justice, gender equality and empowerment.
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Key Initiatives
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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.
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In 2014, the Rule of Law Centres Initiative was launched to increase trust and cooperation between justice providers and the communities they serve. With project offices in Mandalay, Yangon, Myitkyina and Taunggyi, the Rule of Law Centres trained lawyers, law teachers, government officials and civil society representatives on key rule of law and human rights issues and raised awareness of rule of law in communities across the country.
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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.
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Policy Statements
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