The International Human Rights Trial Observer Project has been established by the Association to send ABA representatives to observe trials abroad with significant human rights applications. The project is administered by the Section of Individual Rights and Responsibilities pursuant to guidelines approved by the Board of Governors. Copies of the guidelines for the project are available from the staff director of the Section. Trial observers are nominated by the Trial Observer Project Advisory Board. The chairs of the Sections of Individual Rights and Responsibilities and International Law and Practice and the Standing Committees on Law and National Security are informed of the nominations and given an opportunity to comment thereon. Observers are appointed by the President.

Before undertaking their assignments, trial observers receive a briefing on the political circumstances surrounding each trial and the details concerning the indictment, relevant statutes, and the criminal procedure of the host country. Observers submit a report to the President of the Association and the Project Advisory Board after each mission.

On behalf of the Association, the ABA House of Delegates has on various occasions affirmed its support for the rule of law in the international community. It has expressed the Association’s concern as to serious human rights violations that have been brought to the Association’s attention. The Association has recognized the need for an independent judiciary and for the independence of lawyers. The Association has also noted with deep concern the reported arrests, detentions and sentencing of lawyers because of their representation of clients in various foreign countries.

In 1975, the House of Delegates expressly authorized the President of the Association, or his/her designee, to urge the government of the United States, where appropriate, to bring to the attention of foreign governments the concern the Association has for lawyers and judges who are striving to uphold human rights and fundamental freedoms under tremendous difficulties and, in many cases, at great personal risk. In 1997, the House approved a resolution reaffirming the Association’s support for the rule of law in the international community and also affirmed its support for human rights advocates who are striving to uphold human rights and the rule of law.

In furtherance of such policies the President of the Association is authorized to send "rule of law" letters to the government leaders of countries where violations are alleged to have occurred requesting the fact as to such situations. Copies of such letters are sent to the U.S. Secretary of State.

Prior to the President’s sending such rule of law letters, the drafts are reviewed by the chairs (or other officer in the chair’s absence) of the Sections of Individual Rights and Responsibilities and International Law and Practice and the Standing Committees on Law and National Security. Permanent records are maintained in the International Liaison Office.