International Bridges to Justice (IBJ) is dedicated to protecting the basic legal rights of ordinary citizens in developing countries. Specifically, IBJ works to guarantee all citizens the right to competent legal representation, the right to be protected from cruel and unusual punishment, and the right to a fair trial. IBJ’s approach involves partnering with governments, based on a more participatory and inclusive approach. They collaborate with State institutions in all of the countries where they work, offering insight from over 15 years of work and helping them to reform their legal systems from within. IBJ also works with the existing defender community which enables the programs to develop deep roots among the practitioners, thus developing a sustainable infrastructure for legal rights that is an inherent feature of a country’s judicial system.

IBJ’s Mission

In recognition of the fundamental principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, International Bridges to Justice (IBJ) is dedicated to protecting the basic legal rights of individuals in developing countries. Specifically, IBJ works to guarantee all citizens the right to competent legal representation, the right to be protected from cruel and unusual punishment, and the right to a fair trial.

IBJ’s Vision

They envision a world where the basic legal rights of every man, woman and child are respected in case of an arrest or judicial accusation, in particular: the right to competent legal representation, the right to be free from torture and cruel treatment, and the right to a fair trial. It’s a world where the institutionalization of fair and effective justice practices have eliminated the use of torture as the cheapest method of investigation.

A world where each and every person is knowledgeable about his/her rights and is empowered to demand that they are upheld in practice.

A world where international human rights standards and relevant local laws are brought to life in the everyday practice of justice, and through the consciousness of each and every actor in the judicial system.