Publications for Rule of Law Forum

The future of multilateralism: international law and institutions in an era of impunity and great power competition

As part of its annual Rule of Law Symposium, held during the IBA 2026 Annual Conference in Toronto, Canada, the Rule of Law Forum hosted a panel discussion on ‘The future of multilateralism: international law and institutions in an era of impunity and great power competition’. The subject was selected in light of the rapid emergence of a multipolar world and surging geopolitical conflict, which are challenging established international laws, norms and principles; entrenching global impunity; and raising existential questions about the future of international law and multilateral institutions in world affairs.

Released on Jul 13, 2026

Civility as a rule of law imperative

At the Rule of Law Symposium, as part of the IBA Annual Conference in Toronto, the session ‘Civility and the legal profession’ framed professional civility as a rule-of-law issue. Held on Friday 7 November 2025 from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, it was the second of three symposium sessions, alongside panels on multilateralism and sanctions. The IBA described the symposium as a ‘call to action’ for its membership, underscoring lawyers’ responsibility to sustain justice, accountability and public trust.

Released on Jul 13, 2026

IBA Rule of Law Forum hears from expert panel on sanctions: economic warfare and the law at the IBA Annual Conference in Toronto

At the 2025 IBA Annual Conference Rule of Law Day in Toronto run by the Rule of Law Forum, a full house heard from the panellists who discussed the use of sanctions and potential rule of law consequences. The panel was chaired by Michael Polak, the Secretary-Treasurer of the Forum.

Released on Jul 13, 2026

Developing a judicial selection toolkit: update on a collaborative project to strengthen the rule of law

Last autumn, readers of the Rule of Law Forum newsletter were introduced to the judicial selection toolkit project. It is a collaboration between the Bingham Centre for the Rule of Law, an independent research centre based in London, and several IBA bodies: the Rule of Law Forum, the Judges’ Forum, the Bar Issues Commission, the Forum for Barristers and Advocates, the Litigation Committee, the Legal Policy & Research Unit and the Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI). This collaboration, involving an unusually large number of stakeholders, demonstrates that judicial selection issues are a matter of serious concern across many parts of the IBA.

Released on Jul 13, 2026

Bringing the rule of law to life: the IBA educational project in action

The International Bar Association continues to strengthen its commitment to promoting the rule of law through its Rule of Law Educational Project, a new IBA initiative developed under the leadership of immediate-past and current Presidents Jaime Carey and Claudio Visco to engage younger generations in understanding why the rule of law matters in everyday life and to encourage them to play an active role in upholding it throughout their civic lives.

Released on Jul 13, 2026

A note from an IBA scholarship winner

Attending the IBA Annual Conference in Toronto as a scholarship recipient was one of the most rewarding professional experiences I have ever had, mainly because of the chance to participate in the entire programme alongside other scholars. Each IBA committee selects one young lawyer as a scholar and, as such, the group is made up of individuals from a wide range of countries and backgrounds. As scholarship recipients, this article describes how we were invited to attend the conference and to participate in the young lawyers training on Saturday.

Released on Jul 13, 2026

Rule of Law Forum Panel, Turkiye 2023

A conference panel report of the Rule of Law Panel organised by the International Bar Association Rule of Law Forum and Bilkent Human Rights Center. The panel was held on 6 October 2023 in Ankara, Türkiye.

Released on Jan 16, 2024

Covid-19 and Court Procedures: An Access to Justice Report

Released on Nov 24, 2022