A World Justice Project Initiative on Rebuilding Healthy Societies
When the COVID-19 virus began crossing borders in early 2020, it did so amidst a continuing, global downturn in the rule of law—as reported in our latest WJP Rule of Law Index. Unfortunately, one crisis holds the potential to feed the other, with gaps in the rule of law threatening effective public health responses, and the pandemic creating a political, social, and economic context that puts further pressure on good governance.
Amidst the turmoil, identifying promising approaches to these challenges can help guide an effective recovery process and assist in building back better rule-of-law-based societies. That is why the World Justice Project is focusing knowledge- and awareness-building activities across four issue areas where the public health crisis and rule of law intersect most urgently: corruption, accountable governance, fundamental rights, and access to justice for all. Our series of policy briefs, available below, highlights emerging concerns in each of these areas:
The Twin Crises of Public Health and the Rule of Law
Corruption and the COVID-19 Pandemic
Accountable Governance and the COVID-19 Pandemic
Fundamental Rights and the COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 Pandemic and the Global Justice Gap
In addition to our policy brief series, the World Justice Challenge 2021 is a global competition to identify, recognize, and promote good practices and high-impact projects and policies that protect and advance areas of the rule of law most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Six projects that show demonstrable results and promising prospects for future progress, replication, and scaling will receive cash awards ($20,000 USD) and global profile.
Events
Thematic webinars focused on COVID-19 and its effects on access to justice for all, accountable governance, anti-corruption and open government, and fundamental rights and non-discrimination. Subscribe to WJP's e-newsletter for further updates and invitations.
Webinar Event | October 28, 2020
Anti-Corruption and Open Government in the COVID-19 Pandemic: Recommendations for Action
Co-sponsored by World Justice Challenge thematic partners the Open Government Partnership and the OECD, this discussion focused on key anti-corruption and open government problems raised and exacerbated by the pandemic and discuss recommendations for actions needed to address the crisis' underlying challenges, support an effective recovery process, and build back better rule of law based societies.
Webinar Event | November 18, 2020
Accountable Governance and the COVID-19 Pandemic: Recommendations for Action
Co-sponsored by World Justice Challenge thematic partners International IDEA and the International Legal Assistance Consortium (ILAC), this discussion focused on key accountable governance problems raised and exacerbated by the pandemic and discuss recommendations for actions needed to address the crisis' underlying challenges, support an effective recovery process, and build back better rule-of-law-based societies.
Webinar Event | December 16, 2020
Access to Justice for All and the COVID-19 Pandemic: Recommendations for Action
Co-sponsored by World Justice Challenge thematic partners the International Development Law Organization (IDLO) and Pathfinders for Peaceful, Just and Inclusive Societies, this discussion focused on problems in achieving access to justice for all that have been raised and exacerbated by the pandemic. Panelists also discussed recommendations for action needed to address underlying challenges, support an effective recovery process, and build back toward more just, rule-of-law-based societies. Download the webinar summary (PDF).
Webinar Event | January 26, 2021
Fundamental Rights and Non-Discrimination in the COVID-19 Pandemic: Recommendations for Action
Co-sponsored by World Justice Challenge 2021 thematic partners CIVICUS and International Service for Human Rights (ISHR), this webinar event focused on fundamental rights issues that have been raised and exacerbated by the pandemic. Panelists also discussed recommendations for action needed to address underlying challenges, support an effective recovery process, and build back toward more just, rule-of-law-based societies. Download the webinar summary (PDF).
