ILAC is an international non-governmental organisation. We work to strengthen the rule of law, empower legal professionals and to ensure equal access to justice for all where people’s justice needs are the greatest – in conflict, crisis or transitions to democracy.
We partner with judges, lawyers, prosecutors, and court administrators from around the world. Together, we work to strengthen the independence and effectiveness of legal and judicial institutions, and empower legal professionals working in these institutions.
While legislation and capable institutions are front and centre of ILAC’s engagement, we also see the need for changing mindsets and behaviour of legal professionals and working with broader political reforms. We do this through ILAC’s network of legal professionals, Bar Associations, and other non-governmental organisations. Our current by-laws can be found here.
Together with our member organisations and experts, we:
ILAC’s Five-year Strategy is extended until June 2023.
Vision
Equal access to justice for all.
Mission
To rapidly respond and assess the needs of the justice sector in conflict-affected and fragile countries, and help strengthen the independence and resilience of justice sector institutions and the legal profession.
ILAC and the 2030 Agenda
Effective, inclusive, and accountable institutions are key to reduce corruption, guarantee respect for human rights and ensure equal access to justice.
SDG16 on peace, justice and strong institutions is a goal in and of itself, and a key enabler for other goals in the SDG framework. To reach the goals on poverty, gender equality, hunger, health, and education – the quality of governance and justice institutions is absolutely crucial.
Together with our members, we support the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG16 and SDG5 on gender equality.
What is the Rule of Law?
5.1 billion people across the globe have unmet justice needs. Most justice needs concern everyday issues – for example, jobs, social benefits, housing, land, education and health. This means that a large share of the world’s population are not afforded the protection of the rule of law. At the same time, roughly half the world’s population live in countries where autocratic policies effectively seek to undermine the rule of law.
The rule of law is the simple and straightforward idea that power must be accountable to rules. The rule of law is a principle of governance, applicable to all persons and institutions, as well as to the state itself. Everyone should be accountable to laws that are publicly promulgated and enforced, in accordance with human rights norms and standards. The quality of governance and justice institutions is key to addressing everyday justice needs – ensuring that they are handled properly and fairly.
Legal and judicial institutions are also essential for decreasing corruption, resisting political repression and an ever closing democratic space. Strong and resilient institutions are the foundation for justice, peace, sustainable development and respect for human rights.