Rule of Law

A well-functioning democracy is not possible without the rule of law. This is because the basic elements of democracy and good governance, such as free and transparent electoral systems, respect for human rights, and a vibrant and participative civil society, are all bind by one thread the rule of law.

A comprehensive legal and judicial reform agenda can make an important contribution to the overall process of development. All but a few of the continent’s 1 billion people now expect to vote in regular national polls. That is something which 1.5 billion Asians, for all their impressive economic performance, cannot do.

Consistent and effective laws and reliable legal tools must continue to exist in order to address social injustice or economic imbalances.

Since the onset of globalisation and establishment of the UN’s poverty-reduction targets, the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), there is a clear and urgent imperative to renew efforts in helping countries to develop legal frameworks to enable credible good governance, fulfil international legal obligations as well as development goals.