Publication

This publication discusses Rule of law (RoL) programming in the context of peacebuilding and statebuilding. The author draws lessons from the UN Rule of Law assistance in Somalia. Southern Somalia provides an example of failed RoL, but in Somaliland the existence of an inclusive political settlement has allowed United Nations RoL assistance to contribute not only to core state capacities, but also to engagement with civil society and arriving at innovative programming modalities. This in practice signifies an expanded interpretation of the concept of the RoL and thus of its social impact, argues the author.