2. Why are gender equality and integrating a gender perspective important in the justice sector? Gender equality is a fundamental human rights principle enshrined in binding human rights treaties, and a goal to which governments and international organizations have committed. In addition, integrating a gender perspective in the justice sector improves security and the rule of law by facilitating equal access to justice. It counters impunity for crimes, in particular crimes of GBV, and improves protection against such crimes. It contributes to laws which protect the rights of everyone, and justice institutions that are representative, effective and fair. Such gender reforms in the justice sector contribute to transforming discrimination and inequality of resources, opportunities and power within society, which themselves feed insecurity and violence and retard development. This section explains these arguments in more detail. However, first it outlines some key concepts for this Tool associated with the justice sector, justice reform and gender. 2.1 Key concepts The justice sector The justice sector includes all the agencies and actors, both state and non-state (or formal and informal), involved in the provision, management and oversight of justice. While the concept of “justice” varies between cultures, it can be broadly defined as attainment of that which is just or fair. These norms are codified in law and applied, protected and enforced by the justice sector. Legal systems vary but can generally be divided into two branches: criminal law and non-criminal law. Non-criminal law deals with, among other things, interactions between individuals relating to property, contracts, injuries, family matters, etc., and the fairness of decisions and actions by governmental agencies. Functions of a justice sector can include: Ê dispute resolution Ê law enforcement Ê protection of rights Ê judicial review and accountability Ê regulation. The composition of the justice sector varies across national contexts as a result of different legal and political systems, cultural and historical traditions, and normative frameworks. Depending on the context, the justice sector can include a range of elements. In this Tool, Image: Rally in Faridpur, Bangladesh for “16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence”, 2011 © UN Women / Humaira Farhanaz.