The rule of law is a fundamental concept which requires equal treatment under the law for all citizens. We promote the rule of law by ensuring that the justice systems of the region align with the requirements of the European Convention on Human Rights and the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights. Our efforts include monitoring legislation and court judgments and publishing examples of best practice. Additionally, we host an annual Regional Rule of Law Forum to further highlight the importance of this principle and to increase understanding of what exactly it requires.

We support the effective implementation and protection of human rights. Our particular focus areas include children’s rights, migration, freedom of expression, privacy rights, the right to a fair trial, COVID-19, and emergency situations. We aim to enhance best practices and provide support through publications and training programs.

Gender equality is crucial as it ensures the fair treatment and equal opportunities for all individuals, regardless of gender. Our goal is to create a Western Balkans region where men and women enjoy equal rights and opportunities both in law and in practice, where gender biases do not influence the judicial process or judicial outcomes, and where every individual benefits from the effective application of national, European, and international gender equality provisions. At the AIRE Centre, promoting gender equality intersects with and constitutes a key aspect of all our work. Given its importance, we also have programs dedicated specifically to gender equality, including publications, trainings and events.

The issue of organised crime and corruption continues to pose a major challenge in the Western Balkans region, where different criminal networks from across the main sectors of organised crime are intertwined and embedded within a culture of corruption. The AIRE Centre is committed to strengthening the capacity of regional judicial systems to tackle this issue, including through the effective use of asset recovery in combating and deterring crime and illicit finance. This is achieved through the publication of comprehensive evidence-based research, training programs and events, collaboration with key stakeholders, and effective monitoring of the improved performance of the judicial system in fighting crime.

Transparent courts ensure that justice is not only done, but seen to be done. They therefore strengthen public confidence in the work of the judicial system. The AIRE Centre WB Programme strives to improve strategic external communication of the highest courts in Bosnia and Herzegovina to increase transparency and judicial independence. We support the highest courts in developing and implementing communication strategies and best practices in communicating with the press and the public to secure greater judicial transparency.