What we do

Details
Published: May 23, 2022

Rule of law and democratisation are a prerequisite and guarantee to safeguard fundamental freedom, to strengthen stable governmental and social structures as well as to stimulate economic growth.

Therefore, since its establishment in 1992 at the initiative of the Federal Ministry of Justice (BMJ), IRZ has been cooperating consistently with its partner countries on behalf of the Federal Government in reforming their legal systems and judicial systems.

Here, the focus of the activity of IRZ is on advancement of constitutional and market-oriented structures as well as the harmonisation of national law with EU law.

In many respects, German law has an exemplary function within the meaning of Best Practice – IRZ imparts it with know-how and a lot of experience.

Project concept

In a close and trusting cooperation with the respective institutions in the partner countries, we promote the consolidation of constitutional structures with

  • projects of legislative advice,
  • projects of education and further training,
  • projects for building institutions.

IRZ specifically plans and organises conferences, workshops, seminars, work shadowing, expert discussions as well as work stays and can thus reach a wide target audience.

Implementation of projects

The projects of IRZ are planned and organised under the guidance of the directors by the Head of Sections. In this, they are supported by project managers, officials and the central services of IRZ.

The technical implementation of the individual projects is carried out by experts from independent legal and business consultancy professions, judiciary, administration, economy and academia.

Geographical alignment of IRZ

Since the time it was established, IRZ has always realigned itself geographically. Its activity is currently concentrated on the priority regions of Western Balkans, Africa, Middle East, South Caucasus, Eastern Europe, Vietnam and Central Asia.

The events take place both in Germany as well as in the partner states. Online formats were established successfully in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Partners of IRZ

  • Associations and chambers of the legal professions and of the economy
  • Judiciary
  • Administration at the Federal and State level
  • Academia
  • relevant non-governmental organisations

Finance

IRZ is financed by

  • public funds from the BMJ budget (institutional donation) and the Federal Foreign Office (project support),
  • project funds of the European Commission as well as
  • donations, support contributions and contributions to costs by third parties.

Impact analysis: Monitoring and Evaluation

IRZ has a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation concept (M&E concept). Data is continuously collected for measuring the achievement of objectives at the outcome level, as part of monitoring within the organisation. Evaluations to be carried out at periodic intervals represent the second component of the M&E concept.