Rule of Law
Weak or fragile states can exacerbate various problems facing the international community, such as drug trafficking, large-scale political violence, money-laundering and terrorism. A global consensus has emerged that the rule of law is one of the most important principles of both domestic legal systems and the international legal order. As such, the rule of law is widely seen as a key component for development and stability.
HiiL therefore focuses its efforts within the rule of law chain on research and networking. With our research, we aim to contribute towards innovative thinking about the rule of law chain on a global level and in developing countries; how can it be made more accessible? And, how can the international community make its efforts to support and strengthen the rule of law worldwide more effective? HiiL knows that human development can benefit from knowledge development. That is why we focus our efforts at bringing together rule of law practitioners and academics.
Research projects
- The Internationalisation of Rule of Law – Changing Contexts
and New Challenges - Measuring Access to Justice in a Globalising World: the Hague
Model of Access to Justice
See also
Other Rule of Law initiatives
- The Hague Rule of Law Network (HRoLN)
- The Hague Journal on the Rule of Law (HJRL)
- Hague Visiting Chair on the Rule of Law
- The Innovating Justice
- Yemen Report
Contact Information
Dr Ronald Janse | Theme Coordinator
+31 70 349 4405 | ronald.janse@hiil.org
'Interest in the rule of law has grown strongly since the end of the Cold War. National legal structures in developing countries often need to be strengthened so that economic growth and democracy may benefit. The success of international human rights treaties also depends on well-functioning laws and courts in national states. The recent rise of the "rule of law industry" of NGOs and other donors has led to serious issues of insufficient coordination and accountability. Also, effective dissemination of cutting edge research in this field is often neglected. By creating links between academics and practitioners, HiiL contributes to improved effectiveness of the rule of law field worldwide.' Dr Ronald Janse