Statement by the Director-General, Ms Jan Beagle
High-Level Segment
Geneva, 24 February 2025
Mr. President, Excellencies, Colleagues,
It is a privilege to speak to you today on behalf of the International Development Law Organization.
We are meeting at a time when the broad consensus on human rights, which has underpinned the international system since the end of the Second World War, is under tremendous strain.
Many speakers have highlighted the alarming and widespread rights violations in conflicts raging around the world.
Of great concern also is the growing indifference and mistrust, which is undermining support for human rights in many places.
Addressing these challenges will be critical to preserving decades of hard-won progress on human rights.
The concept of human rights was revolutionary, in large part, because of their universality.
Eleanor Roosevelt said that human rights begin in “small places, close to home” and that “[u]nless these rights have meaning there, they have little meaning anywhere.”
We are seeing the opposite right now.
Global surveys have found that while large majorities value human rights as an abstract concept, few feel that they are relevant to their own lives.
In some quarters, scepticism has taken root, fuelled by misperceptions that human rights are impractical, externally imposed, or protect only a select few.
Even as memories fade and the world loses the moral clarity of the drafters of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, it is worth remembering their insight—that the task of realizing human rights is an enduring one.
The Declaration begins with the proposition that “the recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world.”
We need to make that argument anew, demonstrating the tangible ways in which rights protect everyone and serve as the bedrock for peace and development.
This is recognised in the 2030 Agenda, where human rights and the rule of law are both outcomes and enablers, of all the SDGs.
Drawing on IDLO’s four decades of experience, allow me to share three ways in which strengthening the rule of law is critical in turning rights into reality.
First, the rule of law is a powerful force for peace and stability.
The most severe human rights violations take place where the rule of law is weak or absent.
Effective justice systems help to prevent conflicts by addressing their root causes and resolving disputes before they can spiral into violence.
They also play a critical role in laying the foundations for reconciliation, peace and recovery.
Second, the rule of law is key to restoring public trust.
It helps ensure fairness, accountability, and transparency, giving people confidence that institutions are working in the interest of everyone.
Tackling corruption and making institutions more accessible and responsive to the rights people care most about, are essential.
Mechanisms for community involvement that facilitate direct dialogue between people and government foster an environment of mutual understanding and cooperation.
Third, the rule of law can help to accelerate progress on the social and economic rights that are high on people’s minds.
The rule of law encourages economic growth by providing stability and certainty and enabling fair dispute resolution.
It also helps to ensure that development gains are enjoyed in all parts of society by promoting equal economic opportunity.
On the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, we must redouble our efforts to guarantee that women and girls have equal access to the full spectrum of their rights.
By ensuring that justice systems protect women’s rights, countries can foster economic growth, improve health and education outcomes and enjoy greater food security.
In conclusion, if we are to succeed in addressing today’s challenges, we must do more to improve the lives of people.
We must be steadfast in the defence of the ideal of human rights, but also in our commitment and effort to make these rights tangible for all people everywhere.
And as the High Commissioner said, “we must move from thought leadership to heart leadership”.
Strengthening the rule of law is one of the best investments we can make in our collective future.
IDLO looks forward to working with you to build a peaceful, just and sustainable future, grounded in the rule of law.