chevron-down Created with Sketch Beta.

Rule of Law Initiative

The mission of the American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative is to promote justice, economic opportunity and human dignity through the rule of law.

Report Launch

ABA Center for Global Programs Annual Report 2023

The American Bar Association Center for Global Programs (ABA CGP) is pleased to launch its 2023 Annual Report—covering a breadth of programmatic work from around the world between the ABA Center for Human Rights and the ABA Rule of Law Initiative. ABA CGP facilitated 84 programs in 62 countries, with a combined estimated funding of $59 million in international development grants. Learn more about our work advancing the rule of law and advocating for human rights.

Read more - HERE

Check out the ABA Impact Report 2023

As democracy and the rule of law face their biggest challenges in decades, our duty and resolve to defend these principles remains steadfast. The 2023 ABA Impact Report captures our response to these challenges, showcasing our efforts to bolster civil liberties, safeguard democratic values, expand access to justice for the underserved, and advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion within the legal system. This report, while not exhaustive, reveals the depth of expertise across our 3,000+ committees and groups. This vital work ranges from time-honored initiatives to cutting-edge projects calling for visionary leadership.

Read more - HERE

ABA Center for Global Programs Annual Report 2023

In this report, you will learn about the profound work the ABA Center for Global Programs achieved in 2023 around the world. It covers programmatic work done through the ABA Center for Human Rights and the ABA Rule of Law Initiative.

Recent Publications

ABA Center for Global Programs Annual Report 2023
This report showcases the work of ABA ROLI and ABA CHR.

ABA Center for Global Programs Annual Report 2022
This report showcases the work of ABA ROLI and ABA CHR.

ABA Impact Report 2023
Introduction by Mary Smith, President, American Bar Association (2023-2024)

ABA Impact Report 2022
Introduction by Deborah Enix-Ross, President, American Bar Association (2022-2023)

Judicial Independence Monitor Toolkit
The Judicial Independence Monitor is a toolkit designed to conduct an assessment to inform work on policy reform. 

Center for Human Rights History
The circuitous tale of CHR’s evolution from one man’s idea, to a multi-faceted defender of human rights and a just rule of law around the world.

About Our Leadership

ABA ROLI consists of an executive board, chaired by the Honorable Stephen Breyer, special advisors, and regional chairs and members, all appointed by the ABA president.

Meet our - leadership

About Our Staff

With more than 500 professional staff working in the U.S. and the world, ABA ROLI's team embodies a keen skill set-- combining expertise in international development with knowledge and experience in rule of law-- to implement programs in more than 50 countries.

Meet our - staff

Donate Now and Support the Rule of Law

Each year, ABA ROLI undertakes hundreds of programs around the world to make a real difference in people’s lives. We lead international efforts to address the world’s most pressing challenges related to accessing justice and human rights. Make a donation today.