More than half of the world’s population lives outside the shelter of the law, struggling for basic human rights. Each of us shares responsibility to bring this percentage down to zero, ensuring vulnerable and disadvantaged populations receive equal treatment within criminal and civil justice systems. This is why so many of us at LexisNexis see yesterday’s launch of the LexisNexis Rule of Law Foundation as a moment of hope and are excited by the possibilities it offers to help advance the rule of law around the world.
The LexisNexis Rule of Law Foundation is a not-for-profit, charitable foundation, committed to solving problems related to one or more of the four rule of law components: equal treatment under the law, transparency of the law, access to legal remedy, and independent judiciaries.
Our ambition is to change the world for the better through advancing the rule of law. The Foundation’s mission is huge; our ambition is high. We will undertake projects ranging from small and local to great nation-building projects, helping to create the solid foundations upon which everyone can prosper. We want to bring the billions of people currently outside of the rule of law under its protection.
We want to facilitate involvement in the rule of law through our dedicated 10,000 strong body of LexisNexis employees, deploy LexisNexis products and technology where we can, work with customers, partners, governments, the business community, global associations, and non-governmental organizations to advance the rule of law. LexisNexis is one of the leading information and analytics companies in the world. One of the things we can bring to the rule of law is the measurement and analysis of data and impact. There is so much opportunity and we believe, together, we can grasp it.
Our approach reflects the LexisNexis philosophy for advancing the rule of law:
- Deploy core skills; and
- Work with partners who can bring something to the cause
The Foundation’s first collaboration is with the Global Investigative Journalism Network, an association of journalists who can spend many, often dangerous, months uncovering corruption and other abuses. We will offer GIJN members access to our databases and analytic tools to help with their research and will work together to raise awareness of emerging issues critical to advancing the rule of law.
As a charity, the Foundation will look for ways to source funding for projects, educate people and raise awareness, and even build legal infrastructure where we can. By doing all this we will create a global journey towards a brighter and more prosperous future through the rule of law.
I don’t underestimate the challenge. The rule of law is challenged in every part of the world.
This is simply the start. I hope, and expect, that as time goes on the number of projects will increase and our impact will increase. At lot of work goes on behind the scenes even if it doesn’t make front page news.
But the LexisNexis Rule of Law Foundation doesn’t have a monopoly of good ideas. Suggestions are welcome. Project ideas and contributions are welcome. Initiatives big and small are welcome. The Foundation is waiting for your contribution in whatever creative way can help to advance the rule of law.
The next step of the journey is taken. Now, let’s make it happen together!