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    Who We Are

    More than Three Decades Advancing the Rule of Law and Promoting Human Rights.

    Our Mission

    At the Center of Global Programs, our mission is to advance global justice, human rights, and sustainable development through three core initiatives: Center for Human Rights, Rule of Law Initiative, and United Nations Representatives. Our commitment to these initiatives reflects our unwavering belief in a world where human rights are upheld, the rule of law is steadfast, and the global community thrives through unity and diplomacy.

    Center for Human Rights

    Center for Human Rights

    ABA CHR promotes and protects human rights worldwide — mobilizing lawyers to help threatened advocates, protecting vulnerable communities, and holding governments accountable under law.

    About CHR
    CHR Leadership & Staff
    Rule of Law Intiative

    Rule of Law Intiative

    ABA ROLI works with in-country partners to build sustainable institutions and societies that deliver justice, foster economic opportunity, and ensure respect for human dignity.

    About ROLI
    ROLI Board ROLI Staff
    United Nations Representatives

    United Nations Representatives

    ABA UNR seeks to enhance the reputation of the ABA as a trusted partner of the United Nations and advocate for the Rule of Law, access to justice, human rights, and implementation of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.​

    About UNR
    Committee Members
    What Is the Rule of Law?

    The rule of law is a set of principles, or ideals, for ensuring an orderly and just society. Many countries throughout the world strive to uphold the rule of law where no one is above the law, everyone is treated equally under the law, everyone is held accountable to the same laws, there are clear and fair processes for enforcing laws, there is an independent judiciary, and human rights are guaranteed for all.

    Get Involved With Our Work

    The ABA Center for Global Programs is currently seeking candidates to fill positions at our headquarters in Washington, DC, and abroad in our field offices. ABA CGP offers a wide range of opportunities that call upon diverse academic and professional backgrounds.

    ABA Rule of Law History
    1878

    American Bar Association formed and created the Committee on International Law.

    1933

    International and Comparative Law Section of the ABA established.

    1948

    Universal declaration of Human Rights adopted by the United Nations.

    1958

    First ABA International “Law Day” to advance the rule of law in the world.

    1963

    Alongside the Peace Corps, the ABA launched the “Legal Peace Corps” in Africa.

    1990

    Central and Eastern European Law Initiative (CEELI) founded.

    1991

    First CEELI country office opened in Bulgaria.

    1997

    ABA granted legal observer status in the United Nations.

    1998

    ABA launched the Asia Law Initiative.

    2000

    ABA inaugurated the Africa Law Initiative and the Latin America and Caribbean Law Initiative.

    2001

    ABA formed the Center for Human Rights (CHR).

    2002

    CEELI assessed the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.

    2003

    ABA started programmatic work in the Middle East and North Africa.

    2005

    International Rule of Law Symposium led to the creation of the World Justice Project.

    2007

    Regional Law Initiatives merged into the ABA Rule of Law Initiative (ROLI).

    2018

    The ABA Center for Global Programs created to include ROLI, CHR, and the ABA Representatives and Observers to the United Nations.

    Who We Are

    Annual Report

    The American Bar Association Center for Global Programs (ABA CGP) is pleased to share its 2023 Annual Report—covering a breadth of programmatic work from around the world between the ABA Center for Human Rights and the ABA Rule of Law Initiative. ABA CGP facilitated 84 programs in 62 countries, with a combined estimated funding of $59 million in international development grants. Learn more about our work advancing the rule of law and advocating for human rights.

    View Report
    Who We Are

    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.

    Learn More
    Who We Are

    ABA Impact Report 2023

    This report, while not exhaustive, reveals the depth of expertise across our 3,000+ committees and groups. This vital work ranges from time-honored initiatives to cutting-edge projects calling for visionary leadership.

    View Report