We are delighted to announce the twelve winners of our 2013 World Justice Challege competition! The WJC is an initiative designed to incubate practical programs that strengthen the rule of law. Seed-grants ranging from $10,000-$30,000 are given to individuals, organizations, or networks with the best actionable ideas.

This year, applicants from 67 countries proposed solutions to critical issues ranging from protecting the rights of migrant workers to combatting corruption. Each applicant used data from the WJP’s Rule of Law Index to identify areas where the rule of law was weak and could be improved. Winners were selected for their innovative approach, as well as the potential reach and impact of their proposals.

Meet the 2013 World Justice Challenge Winners

Cameroon Healthcare Access Programme
The Global Citizen’s Initiative
Cameroon

Millions of adults and children in Cameroon are denied access to basic health services, including prenatal care, treatment for malaria, and treatment for HIV/AIDS because of government corruption...Read More

China Migrant Justice Project
Justice Ventures International
China

Many migrant workers residing in China’s urban cities are susceptible to exploitation by employers and subject to harsh, unsafe, and illegal working conditions...Read More

Keep Calm and Hack Bribes
Bribe-Hackers
India

In India, over half the population has reported paying a bribe, despite India’s anti-corruption law. Bribe-Hackers is a platform designed to create a bridge between victims of bribery and law enforcement agencies...Read More

Construction of Society through Hip Hop
Young in Prison
Colombia

In Bogotá, Colombia, many children grow up in marginalized communities where weapons and drugs rule the streets, and poverty and lack of opportunities lead youth into correctional institutions...Read More

Bringing Community Lawyering Resources to NGOs and Pollution Victims
Pacific Environment
China

China’s rapid development has led to high levels of pollution. Wealthier segments of society are able to move away from polluted areas, but poorer citizens lack the resources to move...Read More

Establishing an Effective Detention Monitoring Structure in the Deep South of Thailand
Cross Cultural Foundation
Thailand

Inhumane conditions in detention centers and prisons in southern Thailand have worsened with the imposition of special security laws. The torture of prisoners...Read More

Housing Rights of the Urban Poor in Fortaleza
Urucum
Brazil

In Fortaleza, the capital city of Ceará, thousands of poor families are being threatened with eviction in order to prepare the city for events that will take place in the coming years―including the 2016 Olympic Games...Read More

Invisible Unfairness: Justice Administration for Children with Specific Learning Difficulties
Special Attention Project
Ghana

Children with learning difficulties in Ghana’s public schools do not receive adequate support and are at high risk of dropping out of school and offending the law...Read More

Myanmar Legal Profession Support Initiative
Justice Base
Myanmar

Decades of military rule have severely damaged the institutions that are vital to ensuring protection of the rule of law in Myanmar. The justice system is widely considered to be corrupt...Read More

Project Model Kivalina
The Centre of the Earth
United States

Kivalina, an indigenous whaling community situated off the northwestern coast of Alaska, is under threat from rising sea levels. The U.S. government has ordered the village to relocate...Read More

Street Law Zambia Legal Education Program
Street Law Zambia
Zambia

Street Law Zambia (SLZ), a newly-founded organization associated with Street Law, Inc., creates programs to teach youth about law, democracy, and human rights...Read More

The First 48 Hours: Evaluating Early Decisions in Criminal Cases in Mexico
Lawyers with Cameras
Mexico

While television and films have taught us to expect law enforcement to process crime scenes with the utmost care, what few of us know is that the memory of eyewitnesses and suspects is just as fragile...Read More

In addition to seed-grants, Opportunity Fund winners will receive publicity, research and networking support from the WJP. Winners will also have the opportunity to present progress on their projects at the World Justice Forum IV, a global gathering to examine the foundational importance of the rule of law and to promote collaborative actions to strengthen the rule of law.

Congratulations to all our applicants for contributing to one of the most diverse and dynamic competitions in the WJP's history!

In Memoriam: Roderick B. Mathews

The World Justice Project’s Opportunity Fund is named in honor of Roderick B. Mathews, one of the founding Officers of the World Justice Project as well as its treasurer. WJP Founder and CEO, William H. Neukom, described Mr. Mathews as, "a man for all seasons. He had intellect, empathy and charm. He made fast friends of colleagues and strangers, finding common interests and giving them the benefit of the doubt. His was an irresistible personality.” In tribute to Mr. Mathews’ leadership and his devotion to the advancement of the rule of law, the WJP has named its Opportunity Fund in his honor.

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WJP Chief of Public Sector Partnerships Mark Lewis during his participation in the United Kingdom House of Lords Constitution Committee’s official inquiry into the rule of law

WJP Shares Global Rule of Law Trends with UK House of Lords

On July 2, 2025, the World Justice Project (WJP) was honored to participate in the United Kingdom House of Lords Constitution Committee’s official inquiry into the rule of law. This invitation followed WJP’s written submission and marked an invaluable opportunity to support evidence-based policymaking in the United Kingdom.

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In Memory of William H. Neukom

It is with incredibly heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of our founder and dear friend, William H. Neukom, known to all of us simply as Bill. Bill was the driving force behind the World Justice Project (WJP), and his absence leaves a profound void in the soul of our organization. His belief in justice was unwavering. His deep humanity and his remarkable gift for bringing people together—regardless of background or origin—shaped everything we do at WJP.

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The Warsaw Principles for the Rule of Law
Press release

Global Coalition Unites in Warsaw, Unveiling New Principles for Joint Action on Rule of Law

WARSAW, Poland – 26 June 26, 2025 – A global coalition of organizational leaders and justice advocates issued an urgent call to action today to reverse the worldwide decline in the rule of law, marked by the release of the Warsaw Principles at the conclusion of the 2025 World Justice Forum. The Warsaw Principles represent a unified front against rising authoritarian pressures and a framework for collective action to strengthen accountability.

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Chief Justice Zondo accepts the World Justice Project Rule of Law Award
Press release

Chief Justice Raymond Zondo Honored with Prestigious WJP Rule of Law Award for Anti-Corruption Efforts

WARSAW, Poland – June 12, 2025 – Former South African Chief Justice Raymond Zondo was awarded the prestigious World Justice Project (WJP) Rule of Law Award in recognition of his unwavering commitment to justice and his courageous efforts in exposing systemic corruption. The award was presented by WJP Board Vice President Judy Perry Martinez at the 2025 World Justice Forum, a global gathering of rule of law champions. Polish Minister of Justice Adam Bodnar, a prior recipient of the award in 2019, made accompanying remarks.

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