On 5 May 2026, the International Institute for Justice and the Rule of Law’s (IIJ) Governing Board of Administrators (GBA) held its annual mid-year meeting.
The GBA provides strategic guidance to the Institute and receives updates on its activities, including planned programmes for 2026, recent achievements, and progress under key initiatives such as the EU-funded Counter-Terrorism Platform for Human Rights Engagement (CT PHARE) and the multi-year project funded by the European Commission’s Service for Foreign Policy Instruments, focused on Prosecution, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration (PRR).
The meeting was opened by the Chair of the IIJ, Ms Nkiruka Jones-Nebo, Director of the Department of International Criminal Justice Cooperation at the Federal Ministry of Justice of Nigeria and Permanent Secretary at the Nigerian Federal Civil Service, who welcomed all members and delivered an overview of the Institute’s programmes, courses, and outreach activities over the past six months.
Mr Quentin Balthazart, Interim Officer in Charge of the Administration and Outreach Unit, Project Lead for PRR, and Monitoring and Evaluation Manager, introduced the key topics for discussion and invited interventions from GBA members. He also outlined current resource mobilisation proposals and briefed the Board on administrative and outreach activities, with particular emphasis on the sustainability of the IIJ.
During the session, GBA members delivered statements and engaged in discussions on the Institute’s ongoing and future work.
Mr. Naoufel Gaied, Director of the Academic Unit, shared highlights from recent courses and activities, including participant testimonials, and outlined the Institute’s vision to expand its research and programme focus in the MENA region.
Mr. Winthrop Wells, Senior Manager and Officer-in-Charge of the Programmatic Unit, presented impactful success stories, demonstrating the IIJ’s proactive approach to tailoring activities and delivering dedicated programmes through strong partnerships.
Mr. Paul Madden, CT PHARE Project Lead, provided an overview of workshops conducted globally, highlighting key achievements, the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing regional challenges, and offering a preview of planned activities for 2026, the final year of CT PHARE implementation.
Mrs. Prima Jesusa Quinsayas, Senior Practitioner, shared insights into the Institute’s recent work under the Countering the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) Programme in Southeast Asia.
The IIJ remains committed to supporting criminal justice practitioners worldwide and strengthening international cooperation to address evolving threats related to terrorism and transnational crime.