Where can I find information about the UN and rule of law?

The concept of rule of law is complex and touches on many aspects of the work of the United Nations.

The United Nations and the Rule of Law website highlights the main areas of work on this topic and explains how different departments, programmes, funds and agencies take action and coordinate within the UN system.

The UN and the Rule of Law website also has an overview of the development of the concept over time in the various UN bodies. The 2004 Report of the Secretary-General on the rule of law and transitional justice in conflict and post-conflict societies (S/2004/616) contains a definition, for the UN system, of key concepts, including "rule of law" and "transitional justice" and serves as the basis for the UN's activities in this area.

To identify relevant documents, use the subject term "rule of law" to search in the UN Digital Library, then limit by resource type or UN body. Here are some key searches:

• Secretary-General reports to the General Assembly on "Strengthening and coordinating United Nations rule of law activities"
• The Security Council considers rule of law in thematic meetings as well as during discussion of particular situations and operations.