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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.

Watch the People-Centered Justice Event Recap

The ABA's people-centered justice event, “Putting People First,” highlighted the modern approach to promoting the rule of law in the U.S. and around the world that prioritizes citizens. The program featured remarks by Justice Stephen Breyer and other leaders in the justice sector, as well as spotlight domestic and international programs across the ABA, such as the Commission on Immigration, Commission on Homelessness and Poverty, and the Rule of Law Initiative.

ABA Center for Global Programs Annual Report 2022

In this report, you will learn about the profound work the ABA Center for Global Programs achieved in 2022 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 2022
This report showcases the work of ABA ROLI and ABA CHR.

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.