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The COVID-19 pandemic is posing unprecedented challenges to countries around the world. Alongside health and socio-economic impacts, the crisis has also fundamentally affected the functioning of States and democratic institutions, putting to the test the principles of accountability, equality, transparency and access to justice which underpin the rule of ......

For many, the rule of law can be an elusive concept. It is easy to relate it to other ideals, such as justice, or more specific things such as legislation or crime prevention. The actual meaning, however, often escapes peoples’ minds. The rule of law can often also be confused with other ideas that do not fully relate to its meaning, such as rule by law......

A solid and legitimate rule of law system protects the human rights of people, holds power accountable, prevents violent crime and provides fair and legitimate avenues to resolve conflict. In societies where the rule of law does not exist, there is a greater tendency towards violence and social insecurity. 

The international community has long declared a shared commitment to human rights and human dignity. These principles are enshrined in the UN Charter, which recognizes the “dignity and worth of the human person” and commits the Organization to respect for human rights and for fundamental freedoms for all. Further, the Universal Declaration of Human Ri......

The 21st century has brought important recognition that the world’s development must go hand-in-hand with the protection of the planet and its resources as well as the human rights of all – in other words, that development must be sustainable. 

The rule of law extends the dual promise that all are subject to the law, and all enjoy equal protection under the law. The human rights principles of equal human dignity and non-discrimination underpin this international commitment to equality before the law¹. Yet in practical terms, we know that alarmingly high rates of gender-based discrimin......