NCJ Number
226342
Journal
Corrections Compendium Volume: 33 Issue: 6 Dated: November/December 2008 Pages: 31-33
Date Published
November 2008
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article presents the guiding principles and framework for the United Nations (U.N.) rule of law, intended to strengthen the rule of law and better support member states when looking for the international community’s intervention.
Abstract
The United Nations (U.N.) has 192 members that, in terms of the rule of law, have different approaches and philosophies and customs along with varying economic, social, and political realities. When nations ask the U.N. for help dictating the need for intervention by the international community, how can individuals sent by the U.N. provide assistance that is consistent and appropriate? The answer is by providing principles and a framework upon which all within the international community can agree. In addition to the practical reasons for clearly defined guidance to the U.N. member states, the principles and framework provide a clear view of the philosophy under which the U.N. works when considering issues related to the rule of law. The U.N. rule of law assistance is based on the U.N. charter, international law, and the host of U.N. treaties, declarations, guidelines, and bodies of principles. At the national level, the work of the U.N. on the rule of law is based operationally on technical assistance and capacity building carried out for the benefit of member states, at their request, as mandated, and in accordance with their national policies, priorities and plans. This article provides an outline of the seven guiding principles that apply in all circumstances and the framework, also applying in all circumstances for the U.N. rule of law activities. 6 notes