The promotion of rule of law is tied to the strengthening of democracy and the creation of reliable and accountable states, with respect for human rights and equality before the law.

The EU and the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) arrange election observation missions upon request from states where an election is to be held. The observers monitor the process both before elections and during the election day, and they also monitor the final result of the poll. The aim of the missions is to promote democracy and transparency.

Rule of law principles are important for both judicial bodies and public administration as well as the citizens’ confidence in the state and its officials. Watch our short film below to find out more.

What does the FBA do?

• Policy, research and development
  Since 2010 the FBA has run an extensive research project on rule of law assistance in UN peace operations. The FBA has also developed a handbook for monitoring administrative justice in cooperation with the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and a tool for assessment of rule of law in public administration in cooperation with UNDP. Together with the Netherlands Institute of International Relations and the Stimson Center, the FBA has conducted an independent review of the progress of the United Nations’ Global Focal Point for Police, Justice and Corrections (GFP). In addition, the FBA supports international research on rule of law.

• Training
  The FBA offers a yearly course on rule of law in cooperation with the Center for International Peace Operations (ZIF) in Berlin.

• International work
  The FBA seconds election observers to international election observation missions undertaken by the EU and OSCE. The FBA also seconds human rights advisers and rule of law experts to international peace operations. In addition, the FBA runs various projects on rule of law in conflict and post-conflict states - for example, a comprehensive project on rule of law in public administration in Ukraine. Please see the map about our international projects.

• Cooperation
  The FBA cooperates with organizations such as the OSCE, UN, EU and the European Council on issues regarding rule of law. Currently the FBA is also working on a project together with Australia National University (ANU). The project seeks to establish the types of knowledge, skills and professional qualities that are required to match the needs of international rule of law assistance.