The Most Important in Brief

The ICJ is a unique legal NGO, made up of judges and lawyers from all legal traditions, that shapes international laws to protect human rights - and makes sure these laws are used.

1. Purpose

   To ensure that people everywhere benefit equally from the rule of law and fully enjoy their human rights, and if those rights are violated, can seek and receive adequate remedies. To work for the progressive development and implementation of international human rights law and standards, in response to threats to human life and dignity. To assist judges, lawyers and prosecutors to be independent, impartial, and free to carry out their professional duties.

2. The Most Important in Brief

   The ICJ is a unique legal NGO, made up of judges and lawyers from all legal traditions, that shapes international laws to protect human rights - and makes sure these laws are used.

3. Goals

   1) Develop, defend, and strengthen international institutions, instruments and standards on rule of law and human rights 2) Improve domestic implementation of, and compliance with, international law and standards 3) Bolster the effectiveness and independence of judges and lawyers 4) Improve access to justice for all and accountability

4. Principles

   Guiding Principles Rule of Law First – All human rights must be protected and advanced through legal systems that are fair, accessible, and accountable. Victim-Centered Approach – Advocacy and legal reform must prioritize the voices, needs, and dignity of victims and survivors. Universality of Human Rights – Human rights are indivisible and apply equally to all people, everywhere. Collaboration for Impact – Working in partnership with civil society, legal actors, governments and international institutions to amplify change. Evidence-Based Advocacy – Grounding all positions and interventions in sound legal analysis, facts, and international standards. Core Values Justice – A steadfast commitment to fairness, accountability, and the rule of law in all contexts. Integrity – Upholding the highest ethical standards in legal analysis, advocacy, and partnerships. Independence – Maintaining impartiality and freedom from political or institutional influence. Solidarity – Standing with victims, human rights defenders, and legal professionals under threat. Excellence – Pursuing rigorous legal work and thought leadership in international human rights law.

5. Measures

   International Standard Setting and Normative Development Research and Fact Finding Advocacy and Strategic Litigation Capacity Strengthening Developing Practitioners Tools and Guides

6. Financing

   We receive funding from individuals, foundations and governments to support our work. Every individual donation strengthens our ability to respond quickly and effectively to the key challenges faced by those who are most vulnerable. We maximise the amount of money that is spent on substantive legal work. Each year, 76% of our budget is spent on the essential work that our teams are doing. These funds cover the costs of our legal experts, the activities that we implement, and the funding support that we provide to our local partners. An average of 13% of our budget is spent on administrative costs that keep the organization running – this includes office rents, utilities and maintenance, accounting system, auditing and internal controls, salaries for support staff, website hosting, IT infrastructure and support, and insurance. We spend 11% on fundraising to ensure that we have ongoing funds to support our work and to increase the amount of funding and effective work we can do. These funds primarily cover staff costs and travel.

Area of Impact

• South Africa
• Eastern Africa
• South Asia
• Southeast Asia
• Central Asia
• Europe
• Central America
• Caribbean
• Southern Cone
• Andean States