Rule of Law

The concept of the Rule of Law is fundamental to achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In particular, SDG 16 aspires to "promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels." The Rule of Law is a foundation for all these aims.

The Rule of Law represents a principle of governance that all persons, institutions, entities, public and private, including the state itself, are accountable to laws that are publicly promulgated, equally enforced, and independently adjudicated. In the context of SDGs, the Rule of Law ensures equitable access to justice (SDG 16.3), strengthens corruption-free institutions (SDG 16.5), and nurtures peaceful societies (SDG 16.1).

Equal access to justice under the Rule of Law is central to reducing inequalities (SDG 10) and ensuring no one is left behind. It safeguards individuals' rights, including those of vulnerable groups like women, children, and marginalized communities, facilitating their access to basic services and protection, thereby helping achieve goals related to poverty eradication (SDG 1), good health and well-being (SDG 3), quality education (SDG 4), and gender equality (SDG 5).

The Rule of Law is also intrinsic to building effective, accountable institutions (SDG 16.6). These institutions play a pivotal role in providing public services, managing public resources, and upholding civil rights. When corruption, bribery, theft, and tax evasion are substantially reduced (SDG 16.5), resources can be appropriately allocated to support sustainable development initiatives.

Moreover, peaceful societies, a primary aim of SDG 16, are facilitated by the Rule of Law. A society where laws are respected and fairly applied fosters an environment of security and stability. It deters violent conflict, promotes human rights, and encourages social and economic development.

Large crowd gathered with placards in protest

The Right to Protest: online panel discussion

LexisNexis is hosting a free, online panel discussion in partnership with the International Law Book Facility (ILBF) to explore the right to protest. 

24th January 2024 at 17:00-18:30 GMT

The panel discussion, moderated by James Harper, General Counsel of Global Nexis Solutions - part of LexisNexis, supports the ILBF's law undergraduate essay competition 2023-2024, that asks law undergraduates the question: ‘Should the right to protest be unfettered?

In this episode of the "World We Want" podcast, Márcia Balisciano speaks to Gaythri Raman, Managing Director of Southeast Asia, LexisNexis. They talk about Ms. Raman’s efforts in leveraging AI-powered legal innovations in transforming the legal business and advancing the rule of law across Southeast Asia, with the goal to address statelessness and enabling access to justice through key projects with world leaders committed to social justice even in remote jungles across Borneo.

Human Rights Day 2024: A Pioneering Event to Advocate for Sustainable Development Goals

As we mark Human Rights Day 2024 on December 10, 2024, the importance of collective action in achieving a more equitable world has never been clearer. This Human Rights Day 2024 event aims to be a turning point, a place of exchange, inspiration, and, most importantly, action.

Event Overview

Date: December 10, 2024

Climate change is no longer just an issue for ESG specialists - it affects everyone. In today's world, the legal community has a crucial role to play in driving the climate change agenda forward. This article is based on ten interviews with over 10 influential General and Legal Counsels to understand the crucial role that legal teams can play in driving the environmental agenda forward, and is related to SDGs 13 and 16.
LexisNexis Legal & Professional hosted a panel discussion, Lawyers and the Climate Emergency, in partnership with the International Law Book Facility (ILBF).
Map of United States
This article discusses the tool created by the LexisNexis Rule of Law Foundation that helps track and compare of the torrent of U.S. electoral law changes, relating to SDG 16.
This LexisNexis Legal & Professional report highlights the millions of people throughout the UK who live in legal aid deserts with limited or no access to legal aid providers, relating to SDG 16.
The rights of all citizens are designed to be protected by laws. It is important that all health care professionals understand the relationships that they have with their patients, under the law. This chapter supports WHO SDG3.
CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY AT RELX, 2021 HIGHLIGHTS
In 2021, RELX continued to build on our strong corporate responsibility (CR) performance during the year, further improving on our key internal metrics and extending the scope of our unique contributions. This article is linked to SDGs 1,3,10,11,12,13 and 16, in line with RELX's areas of expertise.

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