The world stands at a critical juncture and is confronted by a myriad of challenges. Conflicts are intensifying, inequalities are deepening, and geopolitical divisions are eroding trust.
In the past year we witnessed how swiftly crises can escalate and intertwine: from Ukraine to Myanmar, the State of Palestine and Sudan, to protracted conflicts in Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Mali.
In all these contexts, UNDP stayed to deliver rule of law, justice, security and to protect human rights. This 2023 Annual Report of UNDP’s Global Programme for Strengthening the Rule of Law and Human Rights details the progress we made under extraordinary circumstances.
In the midst of the war in Ukraine, our initiatives have strengthened judicial mechanisms and equipped national partners with data and tools for a nation-wide victim and witness support system. In the State of Palestine, the Sawasya programme, implemented jointly with UN Women and UNICEF, provided free legal aid to over 11,000 vulnerable Palestinians (75 percent were women). This work provided the foundations for UNDP to continue working on justice and human rights for the Palestinian people, during the war which broke out following the attacks by Hamas in Israel on 7 October 2023. The resilience of our partners and beneficiaries is a testament to the enduring spirit of justice and the pivotal role of the rule of law in fostering stability. Especially amid polycrises, the rule of law, security and human rights are essential pillars for realizing the transformative ambitions of the 2030 Agenda.
During my recent visit to South Sudan, I saw how people are longing for sustainable peace. There, as well as in Colombia, Ethiopia, Guatemala and Western Balkans, transitional justice has been a cornerstone of UNDP’s peacebuilding efforts.
UNDP’s work is deeply rooted in partnerships. The SALIENT partnership with the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs, the Gender Justice Platform with UN Women and the unique arrangement of the UN Global Focal Point for the Rule of Law have enabled us to leverage collective expertise and resources. In countries like Mali and Jamaica, for example, armed violence and localised conflicts have been prevented, through land commissions or working with teachers and youth.
Our partnership with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) under the Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexus responds to the justice needs of people fleeing violence, persecutions and disasters. In Moldova which hosts over 120,000 Ukrainian refugees, we developed a ChatBot solution to help refugees rebuild their life in a new country.
When reading this report, I was inspired by the role of women in conflict prevention, peacebuilding and security in Somalia, Timor-Leste, Yemen and beyond. I am also pleased that our cross UN efforts extend to UNDP’s partnership with the Team of Experts on Conflict Related Sexual Violence in countries like the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Ukraine.
UNDP’s Crisis Offer is designed to break the cycle of fragility, get ahead of crises and invest in hope – from jobs to justice. The support that the Global Programme provides in over 100 countries reflects this commitment. This report demonstrates that by working in unity, guided by people-centred and human rights-based approaches, we can bring positive change to people’s lives.
We extend our gratitude to partners, stakeholders and the communities we serve for their unwavering support and collaboration. Together, we continue to strive for a world where justice prevails and peace is within reach.