On June 26, 2025, at the World Justice Forum in Warsaw, HiiL joined a diverse global coalition to launch the Warsaw Principles for the Rule of Law. Developed by representatives from public institutions, international and regional organizations, civil society, academia, and the private sector, they serve as a universal and foundational framework to address the urgent need to strengthen the rule of law in the face of expanding authoritarianism and the erosion of fundamental rights. These principles emphasize the necessity of a strong, bottom-up, and context-responsive rule of law culture to ensure that legal norms are effectively implemented, broadly respected, and serve as a check on arbitrary power.
How HiiL supports the Warsaw Principles:
1. Checks and Balances Matter
Strong institutions keep power in check and ensure that people’s needs are at the center. We support reforms that build integrity and accountability into every level of justice systems.
2. Peaceful, Fair Transitions of Power
We stand for transparency, trust, and systems that reflect the people’s will and are built to address their needs.
3. Protecting Civic Space
Open societies work through meaningful public engagement. We partner closely with justice changemakers to make this a reality.
4. Human Rights First
We focus on justice solutions that protect rights, reduce discrimination, and support those who defend these rights.
5. Fighting Corruption
Corruption undermines trust. We support the building of systems that are transparent and fair in serving communities and businesses.
6. Justice That Works for People
We support user-friendly justice systems that solve people’s everyday problems: family disputes, land issues, work conflicts, and more.
7. Supporting Legal Professionals
Lawyers, legal experts, legal service providers (including paralegals and other front-line workers) need to work freely and safely. We champion their essential role in delivering justice.
8. Justice for a Sustainable Future
From environmental protection to AI regulation, access to justice plays a key role. We support innovation that’s grounded in fairness, ethics, and rights.
9. Enabling Fair Business
A strong rule of law means access to fair outcomes for everyone, including small and medium enterprises. We promote clear legal frameworks that support responsible entrepreneurship and access to justice.
10. Collaboration is Key
We believe in partnerships. HiiL is part of a movement of do-ers – one that puts people and their needs at the center of justice systems. Lasting change happens when governments, civil society, and innovators come together. That’s how we build a justice system that works.
A Word from Our CEO, Udo Ilo:
‘’The Warsaw Principles respond to the challenges of our time. It offers an eloquent rebuttal to despondency, inspires action and provides actionable solutions to ensuring justice and rule of law. It is a testament to our collective resolve and a contract of our collective commitment. At HiiL we are committed to these principles’’
These principles are championed by a committed global coalition working together to advance the rule of law for all:
- World Justice Project (WJP)
- Transparency International
- Open Government Partnership (OGP)
- International IDEA
- International Development Law Organization (IDLO)
- Basel Institute on Governance
- Global Investigative Journalism Network (GIJN)
- Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe (CCBE)
- European Partnership for Democracy (EPD)
- Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI)
- International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH)
- Accountability Lab
- The Hague Institute for Innovation of Law (HiiL)
Together, we are creating a stronger, more connected global rule of law movement, built on trust, action, and shared purpose.
Let’s Keep Building Justice That Works
Justice should be something people can rely on, understand, and access. The Warsaw Principles help guide the way, and at HiiL, we’re excited to help lead that journey. Curious about the full list of principles and what they mean in detail?
Click here to read the full Warsaw Principles
