All News

The Right to Information (RTI) or Freedom of Information (FoI) movement has made huge strides since the first FoI law was enacted in Sweden in 1766. Freedom of Information was included (as Article 19) in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, described by the UN General Assembly as “a fundamental Human Right and the touchstone of all the freedoms...” But it was not until the late 20th century that advocates of greater transparency really began to push for laws that guaranteed access to information.

One of the intended uses of the WJP Rule of Law Index is as an action planning tool for global civil society. The Rule of Law Index truly comes alive when citizens are given the opportunity to analyze information and shape implementation with their own aspirations and situational context.

Why are women being excluded from more profitable aspects of agriculture in Cote d’Ivoire? My colleagues and I were surrounded by women dressed in their best. Their colorful, patterned pagnes, or cloth wraps, were everywhere I turned in the village of Kouadioyaokro, Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast). I was in West Africa in January to listen to women cocoa farmers about their roles in the supply chains that result in my favorite chocolate treats.

The health of a population provides another lens through which to examine value placed on human life by a government. All indices of health correlate positively with measures of justice. For example, members of Rule of Law abiding societies must be guaranteed "equal treatment and absence of discrimination" (Subfactor 4.1) and, Subfactor 4.2, "the right to life". Such individuals should be expected to have free access to health care and preventive health measures and enjoy long life, as a result. 

To mark World Health Day, IDLO Head of Social Development David Patterson issues a call to action.

NEW YORK, April 7, 2013—On World Health Day, we are reminded of the complexities of the health environments in which we live and work, and the health-related choices we make every day.  Asked who is responsible for our health, your answer will likely depend on how you regard human behavior and the ways in which external influences and factors can shape it. Each context is unique, and the ability of individuals to make healthful choices is unevenly, unequally distributed around the world. 

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is going through historic political, social, and identity transitions. There are five dynamics catalyzing these transitions, including the widening embrace of violence by both state and non-state actors to pursue socio-religious and political agendas and a push for new governance structures without the requisite institutions and social contract.

A look around the world at the latest rule of law events in April Mubarak retrial to commence 13 April

With the country’s hopes pinned upon presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for July, the arrest of prominent human rights lawyer and activist Beatrice Mtetwa the day of a sweeping referendum on a new constitution has Zimbabwe’s promising present looking more and more like Robert Mugabe ten years ago.

The Justice Rising Blog aims to highlight grassroots projects that are striving to advance the rule of law. If you would like to highlight your project or organization, send us an email at [email protected]! Name Of Organization: East-West Management Institute, funded by USAID Project Title:  Program on Rights and Justice in Cambodia II (PRAJ II) Project Location:  Cambodia

In September 2000, world leaders unanimously adopted the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), a series of specific targets for poverty eradication, universal primary school enrollment, gender equality, reduction in child and maternal mortality, combating major disease and ensuring environmental sustainability. The MDGs galvanized developing countries and their international partners to take concrete and tangible steps towards achieving these targets, with some remarkable progress along the way.

On March 12-14, 2013, the World Justice Project, in partnership with the Malawian organization Citizens for Justice (CFJ), brought together a variety of stakeholders from across the country to discuss the findings of the WJP Rule of Law Index and address rule of law shortcomings in Malawi.

The Justice Rising Blog aims to highlight grassroots projects that are striving to advance the rule of law. If you would like to highlight your project or organization, send us an email at [email protected]! Name of Organization: East-West Management Institute, in partnership with Prison Fellowships Liberia, funded by USAID Project Title: Community and Detainee Reconciliation in Liberian Localities (C-DRILL)

Studies indicate that on average a 10% increase in female school participation corresponds to a 3% increase in a country’s GDP.  Moreover, countries that have equal access to land ownership for men and women tend to experience a 10% increase in crop yields. Targeting women and girls for education, employment, and health care can have a transformative impact – a multiplier effect on the well being and productivity of families, communities and societies in general.

Social Media has had the biggest impact on creating awareness on women's rights and empowerment. The WJP looks at Youtube's most sensational videos that highlight women of all ages, background and professions who are making a difference in the lives of millions of people today.  Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide

This year for International Women's Day, Boticca is celebrating with a special collaboration with Women for Women International, an organization that helps women in war-torn countries develop the skills they need to provide for themselves and their families. Five of Boticca's independent designers created exclusive pieces to raise money for this wonderful cause- all profits will go straight to Women for Women. Each designer has created an item that reflects the strength and character of women in the world today.

As we continue to celebrate the social, political, and economic progress made by women all around the world, as well as acknowledge the remaining challenges, take a look at an organization working to level the playing field for women - both literally and metaphorically.

“We have given dignity to the children of Adam.” -The Noble Qur’an, 17:70