The launch of the Business and Human Rights project in Djibouti supported by the Global Programme for Strengthening the Rule of Law, Human Rights, Justice and Security for Sustainable Peace and Development. The project’s primary goal was to conduct the National Baseline Assessment laying the groundwork for the development of the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights (NAP). These deliverables are pivotal in driving economic prosperity and progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. They will act as catalysts for fostering a conducive environment for sustainable development and inclusive growth in Djibouti.
Through a series of consultations, interviews and interactive workshops, UNDP assessed the human rights implications of business operations in Djibouti. Key areas addressed included women’s empowerment in entrepreneurship, employment opportunities for persons with disabilities, rights and protections for self-employed workers, and the finalization of the National Blue Economy Strategy.
UNDP’s efforts to enhance access to justice through its rule of law, human rights and justice project funded by the European Union have been instrumental. The deployment of mobile justice teams to all regions of Djibouti has provided support in 635 cases, with 90 percent of these cases being filed by women.
The substantial increase in the national budget for legal aid from $62.000 to $562.000 marks a significant milestone in enhancing access to justice for all individuals in Djibouti. This tenfold increase reflects a strong commitment to ensuring that legal aid services are available to those in need, thereby promoting fairness, equality, and justice within the legal system.
BUSINESS AND HUMAN RIGHTS
In order to uphold its political stability and foster inclusive economic growth, Djibouti has formulated "Vision 2035", a comprehensive long-term strategic framework centered on principles of good governance; economic diversification, competitiveness and human capital development. In addition, the country has its five-year national development plan "Djibouti ICI 2020-2024" which focuses on inclusion, connectivity and institutions. In collaboration with UNDP, Djibouti established the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Investor Map in 2021, pinpointing 21 investment sectors crucial for economic advancement and SDGs attainment. To further support Djibouti’s ambition to emerge as a leading advocate for business and human rights practices in the region, UNDP initiated a dedicated project on business and human rights (B+HR) in the country. This initiative supported by UNDP’s Global Programme for Strengthening the Rule of Law, Human Rights, Justice and Security for Sustainable Peace and Development aligns with Djibouti’s development goals and inspirations.
The project aimed to undertake the National Baseline Assessment as a key step towards formulating the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights (NAP).
In the initial project phase, stakeholders were identified, and one-on-one consultations were conducted to evaluate the human rights implications of business activities in Djibouti. These consultations also aimed to kickstart conversations on strategies to promote the adherence of local companies to human rights standards. The stakeholders encompassed both public and private entities, along with civil society organizations (CSOs) totaling 15 organizations and 50 individuals. UNDP hosted an inaugural event at the Djibouti Chamber of Commerce which attracted entrepreneurs, leaders from the private and public sectors, as well as the President of the National Human Rights Commission. UNDP engaged in consultations with various institutions in the Djibouti city as well as in the Tadjourah and Ali-Sabieh regions. Detailed notes from each interview were compiled guiding the subsequent phases of the project.
Building on the outcomes of these workshops, UNDP continued its efforts to advance the B+HR agenda in Djibouti. The project entered its next phase by convening stakeholders to foster knowledge exchange and collaboration to develop the NAP on Business and Human Rights. The launch event for this phase received endorsement from the Minister of Justice and Penitentiary Affairs responsible for Human Rights. The event was attended by high-level state officials, senior representatives from the UN and UNDP, business leaders and civil society activists demonstrating strong political support for promoting the B+HR agenda in Djibouti and initiating the NAP development process.
UNDP organized two workshops tailored for 50 participants from both private and public sector. The Ministry of Labor's Department of Labor Relations and the General Inspectorate of Labor and Social Laws were involved in delivering these sessions. To complete the second phase of the project, UNDP conducted a survey targeting both private and public entities in Djibouti to evaluate the impact of business activities on the human rights situation in the country.
The consultations, interactive workshops, interviews and the survey addressed such key areas as women’s empowerment in entrepreneurship, employment opportunities for persons with disabilities, extending rights and protections to self-employed workers and finalizing the National Blue Economy Strategy.
Regarding the rights of persons with disabilities, UNDP’s initiatives under the business and human rights project facilitated a dialogue between the National Human Rights Commission and the National Agency for Persons with Disabilities. Their collaboration on disability inclusion in the business sector will inform the development of the NAP and contribute to promoting inclusivity and human rights respect within Djibouti's business landscape.
In implementing the project, UNDP collaborated with the International Labor Organization (ILO), the World Health Organization (WHO) and engaged the UN Resident Coordinator to monitor progress and ensure alignment with other UN initiatives.
RULE OF LAW, HUMAN RIGHTS, JUSTICE AND SECURITY PORTFOLIO
In addition to the B+HR project, UNDP in Djibouti supports the rule of law, human rights and justice through a project funded by the European Union from 2021 to 2024. This project aims to bolster justice and human rights institutions, enhance the capacity of justice actors and promote digitalization within the justice sector.
In 2023, UNDP provided justice institutions in Djibouti with a roadmap for developing the country’s first penal and penitentiary policy, a plan for the continuous training of justice actors; a communications diagnostic and an action plan. Furthermore, UNDP supported the newly established National Judicial Training Institute in developing legal curricula and providing seasoned professionals in conducting trainings. Through this support, the Judicial Training Institution has graduated the first batch of nationally trained legal professionals: 18 magistrates (including ten women), nine court administrators (including six women), 17 attorneys (including nine women),18 bailiffs (including six women) and seven notaries (including three women). The magistrates and the court administrators have already been recruited by the national courts, thus making significant contribution to their capacity.
To support legal reforms, UNDP commissioned an analysis and drafted recommendations to amend the penal code and the criminal procedure code to align with international standards. Furthermore, a methodology for a digital information management system for courts and prisons was developed.
To enhance the accessibility of justice services, UNDP facilitated the rehabilitation of a visitor center at the Palais de Justice and collaborated with justice authorities to reorganize courthouse access.
Recognizing the limited access to justice for individuals residing outside the capital where courts are only located, UNDP deployed mobile justice teams, consisting of criminal and civil judges to all regions of the country. In 2023, these mobile justice teams conducted 19 missions and assisted in 635 cases, primarily on family law, with over 90 percent of cases filed by women.
UNDP’s work on human rights and justice has delivered tangible results improving people’s access to justice and generating momentum in the country, prompting the Government to invest further in advancements. For the first time in about seven years, the national budget for legal aid saw a significant increase from $62.000 to $562.000, representing tenfold rise and holding the potential for groundbreaking changes in justice service provision.
Lessons learned and good practices
The B+HR project fostered a close working relationship between the National Human Rights Commission and the National Public Procurement Commission, resulting in the integration of human rights considerations into procurement processes.
This project revelations concerning critical deficiencies that were previously overlooked, underscore the necessity of proactive measures to effectively address these gaps. For instance, the consultations exposed the inconsistency of private and public enterprises in meeting hiring quotas for individuals with disabilities, emphasizing the State’s responsibility to ensure vigilant monitoring and enforcement.
Tailored initiatives designed to meet the national context and specific needs have yielded tangible improvements. For example, the reorganization of the visitors’ center at the Palace of Justice not only facilitated access to information on justice services, but prevented distractions for judges caused by individuals seeking directions or inquiring about cases. Additionally, the deployment of mobile justice teams to various regions have made justice more accessible to women in needed of legal support but unable to seek or afford it.
Looking forward
UNDP plans to conduct a survey to finalize the National Baseline Assessment. The collected data will be analyzed to assess the project's progress and identify areas for enhancement, setting the stage for the development of the National Action plan on Business and Human rights.
UNDP is actively supporting the Ministry of justice in formulating a justice reform strategy and action plan for 2025-2030. This strategy informed by an institutional analysis and needs assessment to be conducted by UNDP, will guide future efforts in the justice sector. Furthermore, UNDP will spearhead the development of a Joint UN Rule of Law, Justice and Human Rights Programme to aid in implementing the strategy effectively.