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 - Arab States

Libya

Impact by Regions,
Countries & Territories
Arab States

Key results

  • UNDP, in collaboration with the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), facilitated consensus among Libyan institutions on an amended draft reconciliation law aligned with international standards, marking a significant step toward accountability and the establishment of a National Reconciliation Commission.
  • A vocational training centre at Jdaida Women’s Prison certified trainers and equipped inmates with sewing and IT skills, thereby promoting rehabilitation and reintegration.
  • Based on assessments in Benghazi, Sabha and Gharyan, UNDP plans to expand legal aid services to the Greater Tripoli Area, ensuring broader geographic coverage and access to justice across Libya.

Libya continued to face institutional fragmentation due to a power struggle between the West and the East, with intermittent but regular armed clashes contributing to economic and political instability and insecurity. In August 2024, the UN report published by the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) and the UN Human Rights Office highlighted gross human rights violations and abuses, as well as serious violations of international humanitarian law, committed between 2013 and 2022. The report urged for comprehensive transitional justice and reparation for victims, with guarantees for non-repetitions and prevention.

Despite high demands for accountability, the country has not yet developed a comprehensive transitional justice and reconciliation process. In March 2024, the High Council of State rejected a reconciliation draft law designed by the Presidential Council (PC) two years ago in line with the 2020 Roadmap, adopted by the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum. In November 2024, the House of Representatives started the examination of a new reconciliation draft law, modelled around the one previously proposed by the PC, but with important amendments.

In cooperation with UNSMIL, UNDP supported the preparation of this new transitional justice law and facilitated cooperation among national partners, such as the House of Representatives, the Presidential Council and the High Council of State, to align it with international standards and best practices. This was a part of wider efforts to address political tensions and reduce the politicization of the national reconciliation process. As a result, all parties agreed on the amended draft law on reconciliation to strengthen the independence and legitimacy of the future National Reconciliation Commission. While challenges remain with regards to the law’s adoption, this represents a significant step towards accountability.

UNDP and UNSMIL built strong and credible relationships with the authorities of the West and East, as well as with civil society and the communities, including the families of missing persons. Considering the sensitivity of the file of missing persons, UNDP promotes a survivor- and rights-centred approach to transitional justice and reconciliation, prioritizing the needs of affected communities. The collaboration between UNDP and UNSMIL was vital for coordination efforts.

In addition to the transitional justice interventions, UNDP improved conditions for women inmates, in line with the priorities of its five-year rule of law and justice project funded the Governments of Italy and the Netherlands. In collaboration with the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) and the Ministry of Interior (MoI), the project aims to strengthen rule of law institutions to address the people’s needs in Libya, build trust and create an enabling environment for the rule of law.

UNDP established a vocational training centre at Jdaida Women Prison to support correction and reintegration efforts. Applying a Training of Trainers (ToT) approach, the programme certified five sewing trainers who then trained 17 inmates. Additionally, an IT training programme provided 12 inmates with essential computer skills. Beyond skill-building, the initiative empowered inmates, fostering self-sufficiency and preparing them for a future beyond prison. By offering vocational training, the programme helps inmates regain confidence and take control of their lives, reinforcing the prison’s rehabilitative mission.

Looking forward

At policy level, UNDP will support the drafting of a new comprehensive legislation to address the file of missing persons and capacitate Libya’s forensics institutions to respond to the increased needs of families looking for their missing loved ones. With partners, UNDP will continue to advocate for the implementation of a transitional justice process that addresses the grievances of victims and promotes their right to truth, justice, reparations and guarantees of non-repetition.

At community level, UNDP will support the establishment of the national network of civil society organizations and families of missing persons. Also, the nationwide campaign to raise awareness on the rights of families of missing persons will be rolled out.

Based on the results of a rule of law assessment in Benghazi, Sabha and Gharyan, UNDP will provide legal aid services bringing solutions at municipal level. The same rule of law assessment will be conducted in the Greater Tripoli Area, expanding this initiative to the capital and thereby covering East, West and Southern Libya.