LibGuides: Rule of Law Research: Organizations

United Nations

The United Nations is deeply involved in rule of law efforts through many of its bodies. Its web portal on Rule of Law provides centralized access to the UN's activities in this field , but see in particular the pages below:

Cross-Cutting Themes in Rule of Law
This section describes rule of law themes for which the UN has developed a common system-wide approach. The purpose is to help users understand the UN’s policy with respect to emerging and critical rule of law issues and related major topics.
Rule of Law Training Resources
This page is a central place for users to learn about practitioner and professional courses in rule of law and closely related issues that are available to participants globally, and are provided by the UN or externally by non-governmental organizations, independent institutions and universities.
United Nations Digital Library
The United Nations Digital Library includes UN documents, voting data, speeches, maps, and open access publications. The platform provides access to UN-produced materials in digital format and bibliographic records for print UN documents starting in 1979.

Nongovernmental Organizations

Nongovernmental organizations are both participants in rule of law initiatives and key sources of information on rule of law conditions. NGOs can often be the best – and sometimes only – source of current information on the ground, and they frequently provide the only available English-language translations of relevant legislation, court decisions, and government documents for a particular country.

The organizations below are only a few of those engaged in rule of law work or reporting. For help finding more, consult the guides and tools in the "Additional Resources" tab of this guide.

American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative
ABA ROLI works with in-country partners to build sustainable institutions and societies that deliver justice, foster economic opportunity and ensure respect for human dignity. The ROLI website includes a documents and reports archive, multiple assessment tools, and news on current activities.
World Justice Project
The World Justice Project, an independent, non-profit organization, develops communities of opportunity and equity by advancing the rule of law worldwide. Through its three complementary and mutually reinforcing program areas of Research and Scholarship, Rule of Law Index, and Engagement, the WJP seeks to stimulate government reforms that enhance the rule of law, develop practical programs in support of the rule of law at the community level, and increase public awareness about the concept and practice of the rule of law worldwide.
Amnesty International
Reports are available by country or topic, and links are provided to the websites of the regional offices in 80 countries for additional information.
Freedom House
Freedom House is an independent watchdog organization dedicated to the expansion of freedom around the world. It analyzes the challenges to freedom; advocates for greater political and civil liberties; and supports frontline activists to defend human rights and promote democratic change.
Human Rights Watch
The annual World Reports, as well as country- and topic-specific reports are available under the "Publications" tab, while more up-to-the-minute reporting and actions can be accessed via the "News" tab.