Statement by International Development Law Organization (IDLO)
Thank you, Mr. President.
The International Development Law Organization (IDLO) thanks the Special Rapporteur for her first report.
We welcome the mandate holder’s appeal for a recommitment to the rule of law and access to justice. Such a commitment can help bridge the trust deficit facing societies today.
We concur with her call for special attention to the perspectives of those who need justice solutions the most. Indeed, a core principle of the rule of law is that justice should be accessible to all.
IDLO appreciates the Special Rapporteur highlighting the roles that actors across the justice sector play in ensuring that the rule of law and access to justice enable everyone in society to enjoy the full range of human rights. In particular, we recognise the critical role that judges and lawyers play in defending the rule of law in the face of attempts to undermine it.
For its part, IDLO works with government officials, customary and informal justice actors, paralegals, civil society, individuals and communities throughout the justice chain to improve the fair, equal, and timely delivery of justice for all. Our partnerships in countries in all regions of the world support women’s participation in the justice sector, anti-corruption efforts, inclusive decision-making and participatory governance, to name a few. Our experience in the field has taught us that an inclusive “legal ecosystem” is critical not only to advance human rights, but to promote peace and sustainable development.
We look forward to collaborating with the Special Rapporteur as she pursues the priorities laid out in her report.
Finally, we thank the Special Rapporteur for referencing IDLO’s Issue Brief “Rule of law: responses to climate insecurity,” which highlights the importance of finding people-centred justice solutions to address the challenges of our time.
Thank you.