Rule of law is vital for human security

Another important but perhaps overlooked benefit of the rule of law is its substantial contribution to people centred national security. To begin with, what is the rule of law? The rule of law is both a principle and a process. In terms of principles, the rule of law is the idea that all people are treated equally under the law, regardless of who they are.

Thus, the rule of law is meant to contrast with rule by law, which is a mode of governing in which those in political power use the law to constrain the behaviour of others but not that of themselves. The rule of law is not just about security and justice officials enforcing the law, it is also about making the equality of everyone under the law a real, tangible thing.