Published by the Council of Europe, The new guide, The rule of law and why it matters – EXPLAINED, aims to strengthen understanding among the majority of citizens “who do not oppose the rule of law”, but who need clear, relatable explanations of why it matters in their daily lives.

The guide has been produced by the Council of Europe together with communications professionals of eight other “leading” European organisations working on human rights.

In a statement, the Council of Europe said: “The various principles of the rule of law are connected like a metro map that keeps a city intact. At first glance, it is just a map of coloured lines and stations. But once you step onto it, you realise it is what keeps the whole city moving.

“Each line represents one principle of the rule of law: equality before the law, preventing abuse of power, and so forth. Most of the time, we do not think about them – we get on with our lives and expect the system to work. If you sign a job contract, rent a flat, open a business, or go to court, for example, you are stepping onto that train network and you trust that it will carry you to your destination.”

The explainer is designed primarily for civil society, governments, international organisations, human-rights institutions, equality bodies, and educators: anyone who needs “accessible, accurate ways to explain the rule of law”.