The rule of law means that the law rules. It shapes how democracy functions and how fundamental rights are safeguarded in daily life. When the rule of law is strong, people are protected from abuse of power, treated fairly and given equal access to justice and public services.
“The rule of law and why it matters – explained” makes the rule of law easier to understand by connecting it to everyday experiences, like signing a work contract, renting a home, opening a business or going to court – situations in which people rely on fair, predictable rules and equal treatment.
Using the image of a metro network, the product illustrates how the rule of law works. Each metro line represents a key principle that keeps society moving. The principles are interconnected – when one line fails, the others are affected too.
Just like a metro network, the rule of law is the system that keeps society moving forward. Together.
The product aims to support clear, accessible communication on the rule of law. It was developed by communication experts from the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA), the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the Council of Europe, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, the European Network of National Human Rights Institutions (ENNHRI), the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE), and the EEA and Norway Grants.