The Secretary General’s 2004 report on the rule of law and transitional justice in conflict and post-conflict societies discusses the concept of rule of law and justice. The term rule of law refers to a principle of governance in which all persons, institutions and entities, public and private, including the State itself, are accountable to laws that are publicly promulgated, equally enforced and independently adjudicated, and which are consistent with international human rights norms and standards. Justice is an ideal of accountability and fairness in the protection and vindication of rights and the prevention of and responsibility for wrongs. Justice implies regard for the rights of the accused, for the interests of victims and for the well-being of society at large.
In line with these definitions and the mission of the Protection Cluster Working Group, the Rule of Law & Justice Sub-Working Group aims to facilitate a more predictable, accountable and effective rule of law response and operational support in complex emergencies, disasters and other such situations. The Rule of Law & Justice Sub-Working Group seeks to support cohesive, interagency rule of law responses at the field-level through global level advocacy, standards and policy setting, capacity building and tool development.
The Rule of Law & Justice Sub-Working Group is chaired jointly by OHCHR and UNDP. You can find out more through the group’s Terms of Reference.
OHCHR and UNDP are active members of the Rule of Law Coordination and Resource Group (RoLCRG) which coordinates the UN's global efforts on rule of law. Its website contains additional useful information and documents.
Please contact Katy Thompson, Gunnar Berkemeier or Zaved Mahmood for more details on The Rule of Law & Justice Sub-Working Group of the Protection Cluster.