The rule of law is a cornerstone of protecting human rights and democracy

On 21 November 2023, the Director of the Institute of Commonwealth Studies, Prof Kingsley Abbott, was the discussant on a panel at the Commonwealth Secretariat entitled “Rule of law: a cornerstone in protecting democracy & human rights.”

The seminar provided a platform for prominent experts from around the Commonwealth to discuss how the rule of law contributes to upholding democratic principles, defending human rights and promoting sustainable development.

Speakers included:

• Prof Chidi Odinkalu, Professor of Practice in International Human Rights Law, Fletcher School, Tufts University;
• Prof Awino Okech, Professor of Feminist and Security Studies, Department of Politics, and International Studies, SOAS; and
• Dr Daniel Aguirre, Associate Research Fellow at the Institute for Commonwealth Studies and Senior Lecturer at Roehampton University.

Angeline Welsh KC, ALN Academy, moderated the event.

Introductory remarks were provided by Dr Elizabeth Macharia, Officer in Charge Rule of Law Section, Commonwealth Secretariat.

Closing remarks were given by Nancy Kanyago, Legal Advisor, Rule of Law Section, Commonwealth Secretariat.