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

The Gambia

Impact by Regions,
Countries & Territories
Africa

Key results

  • Mobile legal aid clinics reached 50 communities in the Upper River Region, providing 2,500 people, including 1,500 women, with access to legal services and rights awareness through community dialogues.
  • Community dialogues have resulted in a 50 percent decrease in conflict-related inquiries to the governor’s office, as participants gained a better understanding of how and where to access legal support through local justice institutions.
  • Gender-based issues were the focus of dialogue sessions for women, leading to the documentation of nine cases of gender-based violence, including domestic and intimate partner violence.

Since 2017, The Gambia has been transitioning to democracy. The Recovery Focused National Development Plan (2023-2027) prioritizes good governance and equitable justice services. However, the 2024 Conflict and Development Analysis highlighted barriers to justice such as inequalities, patriarchy, resource constraints and entrenched social norms.

To address this, UNDP funded the National Agency for Legal Aid (NALA) to set up mobile legal aid clinics and community dialogues in 50 Upper River Region communities aimed at supporting vulnerable groups and educating them on human rights and available legal aid.

The community dialogue sessions were designed to foster partnerships between communities, legal and justice actors, including NALA, the Alternative Dispute Resolution Secretariat (ADRS), the Gambia Police Force, the Judiciary, Justice Defenders, the Cadi Court, National Council for Civic Education, the social welfare unit and the Ministry of Justice.

Through this initiative, 1,011 men, 1,532 women, 180 children and 21 persons with disabilities received knowledge about their rights and duties through legal awareness campaigns. Thirteen women obtained one-on-one legal assistance related to land disputes, marriage and divorce, domestic violence and inheritance. Additionally, 36 men received legal assistance with bail applications and general legal advice at Basse Police station. This support helped individuals manage the high cost of legal services and overcome geographic obstacles to accessing justice.

The engagement of women resulted in an increased understanding of human rights, family and succession law, jurisdictions of various courts, basics in criminal and civil procedure, women’s rights, rights of persons with disabilities, domestic violence, sexual harassment, and children’s rights. The sessions also provided a forum for women to discuss and address gender-based issues, leading to the documentation of nine gender-based violence cases.

According to the Governor of Basse, community dialogues have contributed to a decrease in the number of people seeking his office's help to resolve disputes by at least 50 percent. He attributes this to the improved understanding among participants about where to seek assistance in cases of conflict, emphasizing the effectiveness of the outreach efforts. The involvement of local justice institutions in these dialogues has enhanced understanding of their mandate and encouraged the use of legal services.

Looking forward

The project will continue to strengthen the NALA, review the NALA Act to formally recognize paralegals, improve local capacity for legal aid provision and alternative dispute resolution, enhancing justice access for vulnerable groups. It will launch nationwide legal awareness campaigns via radio and TV and train 50 paralegals across 14 districts in the Upper River Region. These initiatives which support community engagement also align with the new flagship Access to Justice Project that seeks to expand regional legal services.