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13 Harv. Hum. Rts. J. 1 (2000)
Building Democratic Institutions: The Role of National Human Rights Institutions in Good Governance and Human Rights Protection

handle is hein.journals/hhrj13 and id is 7 raw text is: Building Democratic Institutions: The Role of National Human Rights Institutions in Good Governance and Human Rights Protection Linda C. Reif' INTRODUCTION The enterprise of building or strengthening democratic institutions in so- cieties emerging from civil conflict or non-democratic regimes can be im- mense, complex, and time-consuming. Each nation faced with such a task must address matters such as the redesign of state governance structures, law reform in many sectors and the strengthening of civil society. Although the state itself bears the prime responsibility in undertaking such an enterprise and the sovereign right to decide on the models and methods, it may be as- sisted by multilateral international organizations and bilateral donors. The areas where rebuilding of democratic institutions can occur is broad indeed. Democratic governance structures, including the legislative, execu- tive/administrative, and judicial branches, can be reformed. The rule of law can be strengthened. Human rights protection can be improved. Civil soci- ety groups can be fostered and a free press supported. A free market eco- nomic system can be developed and subjected to appropriate state regulation to prevent unfairness and obtain an appropriate level of tax revenue to sup- port important state functions. The concept of good governance has devel- oped in the practice of relevant international organizations and some donor governments as a guide for rebuilding or reforming governance structures. State institutions that act as oversight mechanisms to prevent improper state action and improve governance can also be established in the pursuit of good governance. These institutions include state auditors, electoral commissions, * Faculty of Law, University of Alberta; Editor, International Ombudsman Institute. I am grateful to the University of Alberta EFF Support for the Advancement of Scholarship Small Faculties Fund for financial assistance to support the research for this Article and to present an earlier version of the paper at the 1999 Academic Council on the United Nations System (ACUNS) Annual Meeting, United Nations Headquarters, New York City. I would also like to thank Barbara von Tigerstrom, Emeka Duruigbo, and Remigius Chibueze for their research assistance. The views expressed in this Article are my own.

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