Rule of law

The rule of law is a fundamental pillar of any democratic society. 

Rule of law is not merely a formal legality but “justice based on the recognition and full acceptance of the supreme value of the human personality and guaranteed by institutions providing a framework for its fullest expression” (Copenhagen, 1990). 

OSCE participating States recognize that the rule of law requires that all people, institutions and entities, including states themselves, are accountable to laws that are equally enforced, independently adjudicated and consistent with international human rights norms and standards.

Strengthening the rule of law requires action across many parts of the justice system. ODIHR works with OSCE participating States to support independent institutions, fair laws and equal access to justice.

Our work covers six interconnected areas: judicial independence and accountability, fair trial rights, criminal justice reform, administrative justice, equal access to legal professions, and legislative support.

Together, these areas help build justice systems that are fair, effective and trusted by the people they serve.

Explore the sections below to learn more about each area of our work.

A fair and independent justice system is at the heart of any democracy. ODIHR works with OSCE countries to reform courts and laws, helping ensure that judges and prosecutors can act without political pressure and in line with rule of law standards.

Judicial independence, accountability, equal opportunities for women and minorities, and fair trial rights are all key to public trust in the justice system. 

ODIHR provides practical tools and expert support to promote reforms to criminal, civil and administrative justice systems. It also works to ensure equal access to careers in the judiciary, helping to build diverse institutions that represent everyone in society.

A fair and independent justice system is at the heart of any democracy. ODIHR works with OSCE countries to reform courts and laws, helping ensure that judges and prosecutors can act without political pressure and in line with rule of law standards.

Judicial independence, accountability, equal opportunities for women and minorities, and fair trial rights are all key to public trust in the justice system. 

ODIHR provides practical tools and expert support to promote reforms to criminal, civil and administrative justice systems. It also works to ensure equal access to careers in the judiciary, helping to build diverse institutions that represent everyone in society.

A fair and independent justice system is at the heart of any democracy. ODIHR works with OSCE countries to reform courts and laws, helping ensure that judges and prosecutors can act without political pressure and in line with rule of law standards.

Judicial independence, accountability, equal opportunities for women and minorities, and fair trial rights are all key to public trust in the justice system. 

ODIHR provides practical tools and expert support to promote reforms to criminal, civil and administrative justice systems. It also works to ensure equal access to careers in the judiciary, helping to build diverse institutions that represent everyone in society.

A fair and independent justice system is at the heart of any democracy. ODIHR works with OSCE countries to reform courts and laws, helping ensure that judges and prosecutors can act without political pressure and in line with rule of law standards.

Judicial independence, accountability, equal opportunities for women and minorities, and fair trial rights are all key to public trust in the justice system. 

ODIHR provides practical tools and expert support to promote reforms to criminal, civil and administrative justice systems. It also works to ensure equal access to careers in the judiciary, helping to build diverse institutions that represent everyone in society.

A fair and independent justice system is at the heart of any democracy. ODIHR works with OSCE countries to reform courts and laws, helping ensure that judges and prosecutors can act without political pressure and in line with rule of law standards.

Judicial independence, accountability, equal opportunities for women and minorities, and fair trial rights are all key to public trust in the justice system. 

ODIHR provides practical tools and expert support to promote reforms to criminal, civil and administrative justice systems. It also works to ensure equal access to careers in the judiciary, helping to build diverse institutions that represent everyone in society.

A fair and independent justice system is at the heart of any democracy. ODIHR works with OSCE countries to reform courts and laws, helping ensure that judges and prosecutors can act without political pressure and in line with rule of law standards.

Judicial independence, accountability, equal opportunities for women and minorities, and fair trial rights are all key to public trust in the justice system. 

ODIHR provides practical tools and expert support to promote reforms to criminal, civil and administrative justice systems. It also works to ensure equal access to careers in the judiciary, helping to build diverse institutions that represent everyone in society.