April 5, 2023
As delivered
Dear Director General Beagle,
Thank you for your report and presentation. We commend your leadership of IDLO since you took office three years ago. Through IDLO’s capacity building and policy advocacy efforts, you are strengthening the rule of law and improving access to justice for millions of people around the world. You are demonstrating the centrality of SDG16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – to the entire Agenda 2030.
Thank you for keeping us updated on the situation in Afghanistan. It is very concerning news and wholly unacceptable to restrict women staff of international organizations working to provide critical assistance to the Afghan people.
The United States welcomes Niger’s accession as an IDLO member party. IDLO’s partnerships in the Sahel — to strengthen criminal justice chains, empower justice seekers, and defend human rights — are critical to regional stability.
Just a few weeks ago in Banjul, the Gambia, Uzra Zeya, the U.S. Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy and Human Rights, joined IDLO for the launch of a major new initiative to improve Gambians’ access to justice.
It is important to recall that IDLO has been present in the Gambia for years, helping the country improve its business climate. IDLO’s model works: you build partnerships, demonstrate tangible benefits from judicial sector work, and then tackle new challenges together.
Ukraine is another important example, and I know we’ll have a chance to speak to the Prosecutor General shortly. But I would like to underscore a few points here.
The United States is committed to working with Ukraine and peace-loving countries around the world, to support the government and the people of Ukraine as they defend their country and their freedom.
The people of Ukraine deserve justice, no matter how long that takes.