Through a series of short films, the International Bar Association (IBA) – the global voice of the legal profession – is increasing awareness of the value and significance of the Rule of Law among people worldwide as the 2025 United Nations International Day of Education (UN Day) is commemorated. 

Eight videos, each lasting approximately one minute, introduce the general public to the concept of the Rule of Law and show how everyday lives are affected when the different elements that comprise it are flouted. The central message is: ‘Look after the Rule of Law, and it will look after you’.

Watch the series of films here.

This UN Day highlights education as a human right enshrined in Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which reads: ‘Education shall be directed to the full development of the human personality and to the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. It shall promote understanding, tolerance and friendship among all nations, racial or religious groups, and shall further the activities of the United Nations for the maintenance of peace.’

IBA President Jaime Carey, commented: ‘Upholding the Rule of Law is a core principle of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and vital for creating a just and peaceful world. However, we see that the Rule of Law is backsliding in many countries. Without a universally agreed definition of the Rule of Law, it can be difficult for citizens to grasp its meaning and/or importance. Nevertheless, there are some principles that should be universally understood including nobody should be above the law, that people have the right to a fair trial and that judges are independent.’ 
 
Mr Carey added: ‘To help people better understand what the Rule of Law is, the IBA videos show situations when it is absent or violated. As an organisation, founded to protect and promote the Rule of Law and encourage adherence to it, on this UN Day of Education, the IBA is beginning a campaign to educate the public on the crucial role the Rule of Law plays in protecting liberties.’ 

The eight short films – which are available in English, Italian, Polish and Spanish – include and address:

• a basic introduction to the Rule of Law;
• how governments around the world can threaten the independence of the judiciary through threats and bribery resulting in unfair trials and justice not being served;
• how curtailing the freedom of the press and banning peaceful protest negatively affects society;
• the detrimental effects of corruption on society; and
• how the Rule of Law protects individuals who are discriminated against.

IBA Executive Director, Dr Mark Ellis said, ‘The foundation of a well-functioning society is the Rule of Law. The idea is not abstract. For citizens to become guardians of the Rule of Law, they must be aware that their rights and the rights of society are safeguarded, and must be upheld by the state. We hope the IBA Rule of Law educational videos will help citizens better understand the need to protect the Rule of Law.’

The IBA contributes to improving education levels in law in myriad ways, through a range of training programmes and free knowledge and guidance readily available on its website covering all aspects of the legal profession. Also, the IBA Legal Internship Programme is available for undergraduate law students, postgraduate law students and newly qualified lawyers at IBA offices in London, The Hague and Washington, DC.