Rome: The Philippines has been re-elected by consensus as an ad hoc member of the Standing Committee of the International Development Law Organization (IDLO) for the term 2025-2027, as announced by the Philippine Embassy in Italy. This re-election underscores Manila's active role and ongoing commitment to advancing the rule of law and ensuring access to justice on an international scale.
According to Philippines News Agency, Ambassador and Philippine Permanent Representative Neal Imperial, who represents the Philippines at the Committee, highlighted the country's strong support for IDLO's mission to promote effective justice systems and build enduring institutions essential for sustainable development. During the session, the Philippines expressed gratitude to IDLO and its donors and partners, particularly the United States and the European Union, for their contributions to expanding access to justice, modernizing legal frameworks, and enhancing the capacity of the Philippine justice sector.
The Philippines also emphasized the need for enhanced burden- and responsibility-sharing to enable IDLO to continue delivering results despite ongoing funding challenges. The country stressed the urgent need to fortify the rule of law, ensure accountability, and safeguard human rights.
Ambassador Imperial candidly addressed the challenges facing Sustainable Development Goal 16, which focuses on peace, justice, and strong institutions. He noted that conflicts and geopolitical tensions persist and are exacerbating these challenges, leaving access to justice limited for many, particularly vulnerable and marginalized communities such as women, girls, and Indigenous Peoples.
Imperial reiterated the Philippines' call for consistent adherence to a rules-based international order, emphasizing the importance of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), its dispute resolution mechanisms, and sustainable ocean governance. He underscored the rule of law as the cornerstone of Philippine democracy, crucial for justice, equality, and accountable governance.
IDLO Director-General Jan Beagle, in her report to the Assembly, highlighted the indispensability of multilateralism. She asserted that the rule of law is a vital component in reducing conflict, eradicating poverty, protecting human rights, combating corruption, managing migration, and fostering stable environments for trade and innovation.
The election was held on Dec. 12 at the Consiglio Nazionale dell'Economia e del Lavoro (CNEL) in Rome, Italy, during the 2025 Annual Meeting of the IDLO Assembly of Parties. The IDLO, an intergovernmental organization with 40 Member Parties, is governed by the Assembly of Parties, the Standing Committee, and the Audit and Finance Committee. The organization, granted Observer status at the United Nations General Assembly in 2022, promotes the rule of law to support sustainable development.
The Philippines, a founding member of IDLO, officially became a Member Party in 1989 following its ratification of the Agreement on the Establishment of the International Development Law Institute.
