Rule of Law Organizations

The World Justice Project is an independent, multidisciplinary organization that advances the rule of law worldwide through research, data collection, and advocacy. Its flagship publication, the Rule of Law Index, provides comparative data on legal systems in over 140 countries, measuring dimensions such as constraints on government powers, absence of corruption, open government, and access to justice. WJP promotes rule of law principles as foundational to peace, development, and human rights, and engages a global network of practitioners, researchers, and civil society partners.

Established by the Council of Europe, GRECO (Group of States against Corruption) monitors member states’ compliance with anti-corruption standards through mutual evaluation and peer pressure. GRECO issues country-specific reports and recommendations, evaluating the effectiveness of legislative, institutional, and practical measures to prevent corruption among public officials, judges, and prosecutors. Although focused on Europe, GRECO also includes non-European states and supports transparency and accountability through public reporting and comparative data.

The World Jurist Association is a global network of legal professionals committed to strengthening the rule of law and supporting independent judiciaries. It organizes international congresses, dialogues, and forums that bring together judges, lawyers, academics, and policymakers to discuss pressing legal issues and promote democratic governance. While not a research body, WJA serves as a platform for dialogue and advocacy around constitutionalism, legal ethics, and the protection of fundamental rights worldwide.

The International Commission of Jurists is a Geneva-based organization that defends human rights and the rule of law through legal advocacy and expert analysis. It draws on the expertise of prominent judges and lawyers to assess legal systems, publish legal opinions and country reports, and contribute to the development of international legal standards. ICJ operates globally, promoting judicial independence, access to justice, and legal accountability, particularly in conflict-affected or repressive contexts.

The U.S. Rule of Law Coalition is an informal alliance of organizations based in the United States that support the global advancement of rule of law through research, policy dialogue, and cross-sector collaboration. Rather than implementing programs directly, the coalition convenes government agencies, NGOs, academic institutions, and foundations to share knowledge, align strategies, and strengthen U.S. leadership on rule of law issues internationally. The Coalition emphasizes principled justice systems, accountable governance, and legal empowerment.

Published by the Bertelsmann Stiftung, the BTI analyzes governance and rule of law in over 130 developing and transition countries. It assesses the quality of democracy, market economy, and political management through expert-coded indicators. The BTI includes rule of law dimensions such as judicial independence, prosecution of office abuse, and civil rights, offering country rankings, regional comparisons, and detailed reports that inform policy and development strategy.

Based at the University of Gothenburg, the V-Dem Project provides one of the world’s largest datasets on democracy, including granular indicators related to judicial independence, rule of law, and access to justice. With input from thousands of country experts, V-Dem offers nuanced longitudinal data that allows researchers and policymakers to evaluate the institutional dimensions of governance and legal accountability across time and region.

The International Bar Association is a global organization of legal professionals that promotes the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law through research, publications, and global convenings. It monitors threats to judicial independence and publishes thematic reports on topics such as judicial harassment, legal ethics, and structural reform. The IBA also issues policy guidance and hosts dialogues on the legal profession’s role in defending democratic institutions.

Freedom House is a U.S.-based watchdog that assesses political rights and civil liberties worldwide. Its Freedom in the World and Nations in Transit reports include analysis of rule of law metrics such as judicial independence, due process, and protection from arbitrary arrest. While not a legal research institute, Freedom House contributes to global understanding of how legal institutions function in democratic and authoritarian contexts.

HiiL is a non-profit think tank based in the Netherlands that conducts research and collects data on justice needs, legal problems, and access to justice globally. Its Justice Needs and Satisfaction surveys provide evidence-based insights into the experiences of everyday justice users in dozens of countries. HiiL does not implement formal rule of law reform but informs policymakers and donors through user-centered metrics and justice innovation models.

The FRA is an EU agency that provides independent, evidence-based advice and data on fundamental rights, including access to justice and legal protection. Through surveys, legal analysis, and thematic reports, the FRA monitors how member states uphold legal norms and individual rights in practice. It collaborates with civil society and EU institutions but does not engage in program implementation.

Transparency International is a global civil society organization dedicated to combating corruption and promoting transparency, accountability, and integrity across all sectors of society. With a presence in over 100 countries and a central secretariat in Berlin, it leads international efforts to expose and prevent corruption through research, advocacy, legal reform, and public engagement. Its mission is rooted in the belief that corruption undermines democracy, economic development, and human rights. Transparency International works with governments, businesses, and civil society to strengthen institutions, empower citizens, and hold power to account—striving toward a world where integrity defines governance and public trust is restored.