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.

Supporting Somali justice institutions to combat complex crimes

Somalia is striving to strengthen its institutions and to improve the rule of law, however high levels of crime still persist. These include forms of complex crimes, namely extremist violence, organized crime, sexual and gender-based violence and corruption. In recent years, the Somali Federal Government has improved the fight against armed groups and made efforts to improve the capacity of the justice system to handle complex crimes.

Global Dialogue on Human Rights, Biodiversity and SDGs

Global Peer-to-Peer Dialogue on Human Rights, Biodiversity and SDGs

Simulated trial prepares Somali justice actors for real-life extremist violence

The spectre of extremist violence looms large over Somalia and its capital Mogadishu. Separate attacks have caused more than 1,000 casualties in the last six months alone, and the population lives under a constant threat of violence.

HRC37 | Vienna Declaration and programme of action

37th Session of the Human Rights Council: Item 8, general debate - Follow-up to and implementation of the Vienna Declaration and programme of action

STATEMENT OF THE INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT LAW ORGANIZATION

March 20, 2018

Room XX, Palais des Nations

Geneva, Switzerland

Photography brings out talent of Chamelecón's youth

Women are still extremely under-represented in governance and politics

Women and girls are denied equal rights and face crippling discrimination

Women and girls still face enormous challenges in accessing justice

CSW62 | IDLO at the Commission on the Status of Women

The 62^nd session of the United Nations’ Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) will be held at the United Nations in New York from March 12 to 23, 2018. The Commission is the principal global intergovernmental body exclusively dedicated to the promotion of women’s rights, gender equality and the empowerment of women.

Key Initiatives

Somalia Joint Justice Program

In Somalia, alternative justice mechanisms remain the main providers of justice services for lack of formal justice institutions. However, these justice mechanisms can be discriminatory particularly against women, youth and minority clans.