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

Sri Lanka

Impact by Regions,
Countries & Territories
Asia-Pacific

Key results

  • The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka conducted independent field inquiries and established a sustainable evidence repository, significantly enhancing its ability to respond swiftly and effectively to address allegations of human rights violations during public protests.
  • Over 400 justice sector professionals and 1,600 local officials and community workers were trained under the Victims and Witnesses Protection Act, improving the protection and support mechanisms for vulnerable individuals across the country.
  • More than 6,600 individuals participated in legal awareness programmess and over 8,100 accessed legal aid services through the JURE project, promoting equitable access to justice, especially for marginalized groups.

In 2024, Sri Lanka was still recovering from its worst economic crisis that hit the country in March 2022, triggering public unrest and culminating in a political crisis that plunged Sri Lanka into fragility. Recommendations stemming from a governance diagnostic study by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) informed the Government’s Action Plan (2023-2025). UNDP designed a framework offer on economic governance to accelerate Sri Lanka’s recovery and meet national priorities. The rule of law portfolio focused on greater public political engagement and oversight, justice reforms and anticorruption measures, laying the groundwork for democratic checks and balances, as well as improved accountability and transparency.

Following an increase in complaints related to human rights violations during public protests, UNDP supported the Human Rights Commission (HRC) of Sri Lanka in conducting independent field inquiries and fact-finding missions across the country. This included assistance in analysing video and photographic evidence, which proved critical in identifying victims and perpetrators and expediting investigations. To ensure long-term effectiveness, UNDP helped the HRC establish a sustainable repository for storing and managing evidence. A coordination network between civil society organizations and the HRC was established to help identify and respond to human rights violations in several high-priority districts. These efforts allowed the HRC to act more quickly and effectively in protecting victims and promoting accountability.

In 2024, UNDP also helped strengthen the capacity of oversight institutions and mechanisms. In particular, further support was provided to enhance the HRC’s ability to manage complaints and reduce legal delays. This included deploying rapid response units and conducting a Pulse Survey on the Impact of the Economic Crisis on Women’s Rights, which generated actionable recommendations to improve the HRC responsiveness. UNDP also facilitated a strategic partnership between the HRC and the Right to Information Commission of Nepal, resulting in a formal agreement to share knowledge and best practices.

Furthermore, the HRC was enabled to develop guidelines for police conduct during public protests, consistent with international standards.

UNDP supported critical initiatives aimed at improving anti-corruption measures and upholding human rights within the justice system. In 2024, over 6,600 individuals (including 3,900 women) benefited from legal awareness programmes, while more than 8,100 people (including 5,280 women) accessed legal aid services through UNDP’s Support to Justice Sector – JURE project. More than 1,900 justice sector personnel, including 787 women and 65 persons with disabilities, received training to better serve the public. Through these efforts, UNDP promoted equitable and responsive justice delivery, ensuring that marginalized groups can engage effectively with the legal system.

Building on the momentum for digital transformation in the justice sector, UNDP designed a comprehensive plan to modernize key institutions, including the Legal Aid Commission, the police, the Government Analyst’s Department and the Prisons Department. This was a continuation of earlier efforts to support remote court hearings during the COVID-19 pandemic and in response to growing demand for more efficient and accessible justice services. The plan was approved by national authorities, and an inter-agency committee was set up to start with the implementation.

UNDP also worked to improve protection for victims and witnesses of crime. In collaboration with the judiciary and the National Authority for the Protection of Victims of Crime and Witnesses, UNDP supported training for judges and magistrates on how to better assist and protect vulnerable individuals. This included promoting the use of victim impact statements and awarding compensation. To support the implementation of the Victims and Witnesses Protection Act, UNDP trained over 400 justice sector professionals, including judges, lawyers, police officers and medical officers. An additional 1,600 local officials and community workers were reached through awareness sessions, helping to ensure the law is applied effectively and consistently across the country.

Looking forward

In 2025, UNDP will focus on expanding access to justice for vulnerable groups by strengthening coordination across the justice sector and supporting the implementation of the National Legal Aid Policy. A new Justice Coordination Committee will bring together key institutions to improve collaboration and ensure more inclusive, effective responses.

Improving justice for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence will remain a priority. UNDP will develop practical tools and integrate them into training for judges, prosecutors and police. It will also support the rollout of the National Action Plan to Address Sexual and Gender-Based Violence at all administrative levels, introduce a reporting platform for technology-facilitated violence, and develop standard procedures for relevant institutions.