Covid-19

IDLO firmly believes that good governance and the rule of law is central to managing the COVID-19 crisis and promoting recovery in all countries. Like all other parts of public life, the administration of justice and access to legal remedies and dispute resolution have been severely disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The capacities of legal systems even in the most developed countries have been affected, with courts in some places slowing their ability to process cases or even shutting down. Countries and communities around the world in situations of conflict or fragility are particularly vulnerable to the social stresses being brought by the pandemic and must be supported to develop stronger governance systems including justice sector institutions through locally owned and context specific interventions. 
 
As it continues to implement rule of law and justice programs, IDLO is guided by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development – particularly Sustainable Development Goal 16 as an enabler of peace, justice, inclusion, and all of the other SDGs – in its response to the pandemic and will adapt interventions accordingly. Efforts will focus on the importance of effective public health law frameworks, the need to ensure protection of the most vulnerable members of society, and promoting a just, sustainable and equitable recovery.