A central goal of the World Justice Forum is identifying what works—and what can be replicated—when it comes to strengthening the rule of law around the world. 30 extraordinary World Justice Challenge finalists attended the Forum to present their work at the Challenge Showcase, connect with other participants at the Justice Expo, and share lessons of their impact with the rule of law community. Selected by an esteemed panel of judges out of 305 submissions from 118 countries, these innovators are making a big impact in expanding access to justice, championing equal rights, and fighting corruption. At the Forum’s closing plenary, five of these exemplary projects were named winners of the 2022 World Justice Challenge. 

Cambodia Bridges to Justice

The World Justice Challenge’s Access to Justice Award went to Cambodia Bridges to Justice.  

Less than 30 years ago, there were fewer than 10 lawyers in Cambodia. Even today, there is no official recognition of innocence before proven guilty, nor is there a formal legal aid system for those in prison. Prior to 2020, Cambodia only had one appeals court, and Cambodia Bridges to Justice provides representation and legal aid in a system lacking both.  

Kate Flower, a program officer for Cambodia Bridges to Justice, noted during her acceptance speech that project lead Ouk Vandeth—one of three lawyers in Cambodia who works on appeals cases—did not attend the Forum to represent the project himself because if he leaves the country, cases will not be tried, and people will remain in prison.  

You can watch the full acceptance speech here.  

Red Dot Foundation and The Urban Vision

The World Justice Challenge’s Equal Rights and Non-Discrimination Award went to Red Dot Foundation and The Urban Vision.  

Launched in the wake of a horrific sexual violence case in India, Red Dot Foundation’s Safecity app provides a way to anonymously report cases of sexual and gender-based violence, empowering women who would otherwise remain silent. Safecity has created a data set that previously did not exist, raising awareness of this issue and supporting community members to advocate for safer neighborhoods.  

In her remarks, ElsaMarie D’Silva, founder of the Red Dot Foundation, called on the audience to join her in her mission of ending sexual and gender-based violence.  

Watch ElsaMarie give her acceptance speech. 

Transparency Information Technology Initiative  

The World Justice Challenge’s Anti-Corruption and Open Government Award went to Transparency Information Technology Initiative (TransparencIT). The organization monitors corruption cases as they move through the courts in Nigeria and ensures that gaps in enforcement are identified and addressed.   

Abbas Inuwa, founder and director, took the opportunity in accepting the award to emphasize how TransparencIT will continue to hold leaders accountable.  

Watch Abbas’s acceptance speech.  

InReach, Formerly AsylumConnect

The World Justice Challenge’s Data for Justice Prize went to InReach, formerly Asylum Connect. Their app provides LGBTQ+ people who are fleeing persecution with vital legal aid and support. 

Jamie Sgarro, co-founder and executive director of InReach, accepted the award by urging the audience to be advocates for LGBTQ+ rights, and especially trans rights, in their communities.  

Watch Jamie’s acceptance speech.  

POS Foundation

The World Justice Challenge’s Alumni Award went to POS Foundation. The Alumni Award was determined by a popular vote by previous World Justice Challenge finalists and winners.  

Jonathan Osei Owusu, founder and executive director of the POS Foundation, accepted the award, along with his colleagues. During his remarks, he spotlighted the work that his team has done to reduce prison overcrowding in Ghana even during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, reducing the pre-trial prison population from 33% to 9.5%.  

Watch Jonathan’s acceptance speech.