The ILF’s mission is to assist post-conflict and transition countries to establish public defender systems that provide quality and effective criminal defense services to the poor.

In carrying out its mission, the ILF:

• Is driven by the belief that defense lawyers – as guardians of due process – are indispensible to any fair system of justice, and every person accused of a crime should have access to one;

• Works only in countries emerging from conflict where the government has recognized the right to counsel and affirmed a commitment to a strong and fair system of justice;

• Aims to ensure that laws that guarantee the right to counsel are meaningfully implemented in ways that respect the historical, practical and cultural context of each country.