IRG believes that the basis for a democratic and well-governed society is founded on respect for and adherence to rule of law. Effective rule of law stems from a nexus of clear policies and a functioning system with checks and balances. It involves fair and objective laws, a guarantee of basic human rights, transparency, and effective adjudication and enforcement structures. When successful, it creates the basis for economic and societal growth. IRG provides technical assistance working with governments, nongovernmental organizations, academia and the private sector to develop and support judicial systems, strengthen civil society, create a clear and enforceable policy environment, promote good governance, and emphasize accountability and transparency. With the proper procedures in place, governments and their citizens can build a foundation of mutual trust and a society that maintains order and stability.

Capabilities:

• Civil Society Strengthening
• Good Governance and Anti-Corruption Support
• Institutional Capacity Building
• Policy Reform and Development
• Development of Legal Codes and Procedures
• Security and Law Enforcement Initiatives

Select projects include:

Working to Rebuild Legal Infrastructure
IRG supported a number of rule of law initiatives in Afghanistan, including working with Afghani citizens and government officials to address legal framework and reform issues, informal dispute resolution, and legal assistance to women and other disadvantaged groups. IRG also worked with the Afghanistan Judicial Commission, planning and implementing three legal conferences on Afghan and International Criminal Law and Procedure in Kabul over a 60-day period. After the fall of the Taliban regime, IRG organized and synthesized Afghanistan’s constitution and existing law in time for the Loya Jirga (Grand Council). Afghanistan: Rule of Law Aspects of Land Titling and Economic Restructuring; Afghanistan Judicial Conference; Afghan Legal Codes

Creating Legal Tools to Manage Coastal Resources
Indonesia’s body of laws governing coastal and natural resources form a complex and sometimes conflicting fabric of rules, regulations, prohibitions, and sanctions that are often poorly understood by agencies and courts. IRG was asked to launch an initiative to better harmonize laws relating to coastal resources management. Along with Indonesia’s Bappenas (the National Development Planning Board) and the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF), IRG assisted in the development of a bilingual, Web-based database and search engine of more than 3,000 laws relating to natural resources management; an analytical treatise on the harmonization of laws relating to coastal management; a guidebook on developing regional laws for coastal management; and an enforcement handbook that provided specific legal citations of laws relating to coastal resources management for regulated activities with sanctions and penalties for violations. Indonesia: Natural Resource Management Program III

Strengthening Local Capacity to Manage Regional Regulations
IRG received top marks for managing this regional biological conservation project in seven Central American countries. To consolidate and strengthen protected area systems and improve regulations and enforcement, PROARCA enlisted regional, national, and local participation. The project strengthened local capacity to establish sustainable policies, institute awareness campaigns, and achieve financial commitment and consensus on management of priority areas. IRG collaborated closely with local authorities to reduce illegal trafficking in indigent natural resources and promote regional solutions to cross-border resource disputes. PROARCA/CAPAS (Proyecto Ambiental Regional para Centroamérica/Central American Protected Area System)