IDLO Full Form: History, Overview, Work etc.

IDLO Full Form is an International Development Law Organization it is an Intergovernmental organisation devoted to advancing the rule of law. It aims to empower individuals, communities, and governments to assert their rights while focusing on the promotion of the rule of law and development. It also equips governments with the know-how to do so. It helps to develop and middle-income nations build their legal systems and rule of law frameworks to promote economic opportunity and sustainable development.

It has expertise working in dozens of nations worldwide and is the only international organisation with an exclusive mandate to promote the rule of law. IDLO, one of several organisations that are United Nations General Assembly observers, has its headquarters in Rome, Italy, and a branch office there.

History

L. Michael Hager (USA), William T. Loris (USA), and Gilles Blanchi (France) founded IDLO as a non-governmental organisation (then known as the International Development Law Institute) in 1983. Dr Ibrahim Shihata served as the board chairman (Founder of the OPEC Fund for International Development and Senior Vice-President and General Counsel of the World Bank from 1983 to 1998)

Greater focus was also placed on civil society, sustainable development, and nations that had recently experienced wars or even genocides in the second half of the 1990s (e.g. Cambodia, Rwanda). The organisation was renamed the International Development Law Organization in 2002. At the UN, IDLO was given permanent observer status in 2001. IDLO established a branch office in The Hague in 2014.

IDLO Overview

Work

With the conviction that justice entails securing fair outcomes in specific, local contexts, IDLO has worked in dozens of nations worldwide.

Somalia

For the past 30 years, IDLO has been active in Somalia, offering technical support to the judiciary and training to Somali legal professionals. The IDLO is “a premier organisation that is aiding Somalia on its journey to peace and security,” according to Somali Prime Minister Dr Abdiweli Mohamed Ali.

Afghanistan

Since 2002, IDLO has been operating in Afghanistan, claiming its goals are to uphold Islamic ideals while reestablishing the rule of law and creating a new conception of justice. Legal experts in the nation have been trained primarily by Afghan staff.

Women’s Rights

Although the Afghan Constitution guarantees women’s rights, domestic and sexual abuse are pervasive and treated as family disputes by informal legal systems presided over by male elders. With assistance from the Afghan Attorney General’s office, IDLO established the country’s first Violence Against Women Unit in June 2009. According to IDLO, the team managed more than 300 cases in 2010.

Allegations of Lack of Oversight

INL’s 2013 contract with IDLO regarding JTTP lacked oversight standards, according to a report published in January 2014 by the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR). SIGAR has already alerted the State Department about a lack of monitoring in an “alert letter” submitted to the State Department on July 22, 2013. In the letter, IDLO was charged with withholding information from SIGAR about its budget, organisational structure, and financial ties to the US government.

South Sudan

The newly formed South Sudan received technical legal support from IDLO, which trained the courts in “legal” English during the process of moving away from a Shari’ah-based legal system and in the principles of common law.

Kenya

Working with constitutional experts Tom Ginsberg and Zachary Elkins, IDLO funded a team of constitutional experts from American institutions to evaluate versions of the Kenyan constitution and offer commentary to the Kenyan Parliament.

Customary Justice

Working with informal or customary justice systems is crucial, and IDLO has stressed this numerous times, including at the UN and in three edited books on customary justice.

IDLO Agenda

• IDLO promotes peace and justice through its programs and activities.
• IDLO strengthens accountability and fights corruption.
• IDLO empowers women and girls.
• IDLO protects biodiversity.
• IDLO promotes inclusive economic growth.
• The rule of law principles (equality, equity, inclusion, rights, laws, and strong institutions) are central to IDLO’s work.
• IDLO aligns with the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly focusing on Goal 16.
• IDLO’s Strategy 2020 is inspired by the vision of the 2030 Agenda, aiming to advance access to justice, combat inequalities, and promote social inclusion.
• The rule of law is essential for economic, social, and environmental sustainability.
• IDLO engages in debates and dialogue at national and international levels on Agenda 2030, focusing on equality, inclusion, and access to justice.
• IDLO’s presence in strategic international platforms amplifies its policy advocacy efforts.
• IDLO contributes to the 2030 Agenda through programs, research, and policy advocacy in various contexts, promoting peace, development, and just societies.

Conclusion

International Development Law Organization (IDLO) is very important for supporting law and order around the world. Because it was founded in 1983 and has its offices in Rome, Italy, IDLO has been helping people, communities, and governments stand up for their rights and promote sustainable development. With its many programs and activities, IDLO increases responsibility, gives women more power, safeguards biodiversity, and encourages economic growth that benefits everyone. Keeping with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development from the United Nations, IDLO continues to make the world a more fair and just place to live.

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