Uruguay leads Latin America in the ranking on respect for the rule of law

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The World Justice Project published a new index on respect for the rule of law in 139 different countries, both globally and in the region.

Based on global surveys of more than 138,000 households, 4,200 lawyers, and experts, Uruguay ranked first in Latin America and 25th globally in its latest report.

Behind Uruguay in the region were Costa Rica and Chile, while Venezuela ranked last.

According to the report itself, the index presents “a portrait of the rule of law in 139 countries and jurisdictions by providing scores and rankings based on eight factors: restrictions on government powers, absence of corruption, open government, fundamental rights, order and security, regulatory compliance, civil justice, and criminal justice”.

It is further noted that the index is intended for a broad audience, including policymakers, civil society organizations, businesses, legal professionals, academics, media, and citizens.

Former Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, Edison Lanza, celebrated Uruguay’s good positioning in this new report.

“The Rule of Law Index of the World Justice Project was published, and Uruguay is first in the Latin American ranking and 25th in the global ranking. It results from 35 years of democracy and strengthening the independence of powers, transparency, etc. Let’s take care of it; it is everyone’s achievement”, wrote the current head of the Municipality of Canelones.

The World Justice Project is an international civil organization that seeks to promote the respect and expansion of the rule of law in the world.