RULE OF LAW AND HUMAN RIGHTS Annual Report 2024
Impact
Thematic focus
 = Global Focal Point

Africa

Arab States

Asia-Pacific

Europe and Central Asia

Latin America and the Caribbean

Justice Futures CoLab

UNDP expanded its work and remained steadfast in its commitment to support and implement innovative people-centred justice programming to close the justice gap, particularly in crisis, complex and fragile settings, in synergy with national and international partners.

Human Rights Systems

UNDP works to support human rights solutions that strengthen accountability, protect communities and foster peace, recovery and stability. In 2024, UNDP has sustained investments in strengthening national human rights systems, including supporting national human rights institutions (NHRIs) globally.

Business and Human Rights

UNDP assists governments, businesses, civil society organizations (CSOs), labour organizations, national human rights institutions (NHRIs), environmental and human rights defenders, media and others in advancing responsible business practices.

Community Security

In 2024, the global peace and security landscape became increasingly strained, with escalating conflicts, intensifying geopolitical tensions and emerging transnational threats further aggravating pre-existing vulnerabilities. In response, UNDP intensified its support for sustainable peace by advancing inclusive, community-driven security approaches.

Global Focal Point for the Rule of Law

The UN Global Focal Point for the Rule of Law (GFP) is a joint arrangement for delivery of the rule of law in fragile settings. Co-chaired by UNDP and the UN Department of Peace Operations (DPO), GFP reinforces One-UN approach at the global and national levels to address violent conflicts, protect human rights and restore justice and security for people affected by crisis and conflict.

Regional overview - Africa

Mauritania

Impact by Regions,
Countries & Territories
Africa

Key results

  • Access to justice for women in prisons was improved through legal aid services and mobile legal clinics, enabling them to better understand their rights and to exercise their right to a fair trial.
  • Female inmates were empowered through reintegration programmes and in-prison training, helping them gain skills, rebuild confidence and prepare for life after incarceration.
  • Communities became more engaged in restorative justice, with over 500 people, including women and youth, participating in awareness campaigns and workshops that promoted alternatives to incarceration and fostered inclusive dialogue.

In 2024, Mauritania experienced a politically sensitive period marked by presidential elections and subsequent peaceful demonstrations contesting the results. This context underscored the urgency of reinforcing democratic institutions, promoting transparency and ensuring respect for human rights. Against this backdrop, UNDP launched a project under the Global Programme for Strengthening the Rule of Law, Human Rights, Justice and Security for Sustainable Peace and Development. The initiative aimed to improve access to restorative justice for the most vulnerable populations, particularly incarcerated women, through the innovative “House of Justice” approach.

UNDP focused on addressing critical gaps in the justice system, such as the lack of effective mediation and conflict resolution mechanisms and the limited capacity of local actors to manage electoral tensions and civil rights issues. It sought to promote inclusive and accessible justice, contributing to national stabilization efforts and aligning with Mauritania’s broader judicial reform agenda.

Workshops held in Nouakchott, Nouadhibou and Akjoujt brought together judges, clerks, lawyers and civil society representatives to discuss community service as an alternative to incarceration. These discussions not only fostered collaboration but also led to concrete recommendations for integrating restorative justice into the national legal framework. The workshops were notably inclusive, with 81 percent of participants being youth and 75 percent women, ensuring that the voices of vulnerable groups were central to the dialogue.

The awareness campaign on community service reached 500 people, including a significant number of women and young people. It played a crucial role in challenging stereotypes about female incarceration and promoting a more humane and rehabilitative approach to justice. Participants expressed strong support for restorative justice, recognizing its potential to enhance social cohesion and reduce recidivism.

A key innovation was the deployment of mobile legal clinics, which brought legal services directly to detention centres. These clinics provided legal advice, informed women of their rights and demystified judicial procedures, significantly improving access to justice for incarcerated women.

UNDP’s impact extended beyond legal support. It empowered women through targeted awareness and reintegration programmes, contributing to their economic independence and social reintegration. By focusing on young women, women with disabilities and those from rural or marginalized communities, UNDP embodied the Leave No One Behind principle and promoted gender equality in line with UNDP’s Gender Equality Strategy.

Strong partnerships were central to the project’s success. UNDP collaborated with the Ministry of Justice, local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and community actors to ensure that interventions were grounded in local realities. These partnerships enabled the establishment of a post-detention support framework and strengthened the capacity of local actors to advocate for women’s rights.

The project also catalysed a broader movement around women’s rights in Mauritania. Training workshops and the dissemination of practical legal guides helped raise awareness among legal professionals and the public. These efforts contributed to changing perceptions, enhancing the quality of legal services and fostering a more inclusive justice system.

Looking forward

The sustainability of the project is underpinned by an integrated approach that emphasizes local ownership, continuous training and institutionalization of best practices. By reinforcing strategic partnerships and mobilizing resources, the project has laid the groundwork for lasting reforms in the justice sector. Its catalytic impact is expected to influence public policy and governance well beyond the project’s duration, contributing to a more equitable and resilient society in Mauritania.