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.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Impact by Regions,
Countries & Territories
Europe and Central Asia

Key results

  • UNDP collaborated with the Office of the Ombudsperson to highlight environmental rights violations across the country. In response to a growing number of complaints, the Ombudsperson established a dedicated register to address environmental justice issues.
  • Through its partnership with the Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces, UNDP significantly improved ammunition management and disposal, reducing risks to public safety. The destruction of illicit weapons further contributed to community security.
  • Following the successful certification of the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council, UNDP will support the Ministry of Security in initiating the Gender Equality Seal process, advancing gender mainstreaming in the security sector.

In 2024, Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) submitted to the UN Human Rights Council the Fourth Universal Periodic Review on the Human Rights Situation. The UN Country Team, in its submission, indicated discrimination, impunity for hate crimes, concerns about judiciary independence and limited access to free legal aid as challenges in the country. These challenges were compounded by broader governance and human rights issues, such as political polarization and a lack of harmonized laws across the country. Despite these obstacles, UNDP’s efforts enabled meaningful progress in advancing justice and security, gender equality and local governance.

UNDP’s work has helped to improve the quality and accessibility of public services for more than 523,000 people, including over 205,000 women. These services spanned water and sanitation, healthcare, education, waste management, energy efficiency and social inclusion, with a particular focus on vulnerable populations. In supporting the advancement of rights-based governance, UNDP contributed to enhanced performance and public finance management at the local level, improving accountability and transparency as well as citizen participation in local governance affairs in almost 80 percent of local governments. These milestones reflect ongoing efforts to support the country in overcoming systemic challenges and support sustainable development.

Environmental justice was another key focus. UNDP organized training for over 50 judges and prosecutors on the environmental law of the European Union (EU) and relevant case law from the European Court of Human Rights. Recognized as a key partner by the Judicial and Prosecutorial Training Centres for both of the Entities, UNDP signed memoranda of understanding to expand specialized training delivery through its Green Transition Portfolio.

In partnership with UNDP in Kosovo, a joint study on gender-inclusive environmental justice was presented at the 2024 Gender and Climate Coalition meeting. The findings will inform future programming and collaboration with civil society and government partners. An updated report on gender and environmental data for BiH is planned for 2025.

UNDP collaborated with the Office of the Ombudsperson to highlight environmental rights violations across the country. In response to a growing number of complaints, the Ombudsperson established a dedicated register to address environmental justice issues.

One of the year’s milestones was the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council of BiH becoming the first public institution in Europe and the region to earn the Silver Gender Equality Seal, recognizing its commitment to institutional gender equality.

To combat the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons (SALW), UNDP facilitated joint exercises for 202 police and customs officers from BiH and Montenegro and worked with 33 prosecutors to develop an investigative guide. These efforts improved cross-border cooperation and investigative capacity.

UNDP’s support to the Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces of BiH led to infrastructure upgrades at three weapons storage sites and the environmentally safe disposal of 72 tons of unstable ammunition, reducing surplus stockpiles by 3.4 percent. Nearly 4,200 illicit SALW were destroyed by law enforcement agencies, contributing to safer communities.

Cybersecurity was strengthened through the design of pilot master’s programme on cyber security at Sarajevo University. Moreover, in cooperation with civil service agencies, UNDP designed and delivered a cyber security training to 164 civil servants, including 80 women. An online safety campaign launched under the framework of UNDP’s partnership with the Korean National Police Agency (KNPA), it reached over 6,000 people. Women made up 78 percent of participants in UNDP’s cybersecurity initiatives.

To promote transitional justice, social cohesion and human rights, UNDP supported ten grassroots civil society organizations, benefitting over 2,000 victims of war crimes and other vulnerable groups. Twenty-four young people, most of them women, were trained in transitional justice, building a new generation of peacebuilders.

Looking forward

In 2025, UNDP will continue to support Bosnia and Herzegovina in strengthening the rule of law, improving access to justice and promoting inclusive governance. Priorities include harmonizing arms and ammunition legislation with the EU directives, enhancing investigative capacities for SALW-related crimes, and expanding cooperation with civil society and government institutions.

To address hate speech and societal polarization, UNDP, UNESCO and UN Women will launch a joint programme funded by the Peacebuilding Fund. The initiative aims to counter divisive narratives and foster long-term reconciliation. Additionally, UNDP worked with UN Women, the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) and UNICEF to develop the Gender Assistance Programme to standardize survivor-centred responses across justice, security and social services. In partnership with UN agencies, UNDP is developing two joint programmes to address the issue of “Dealing with the Past” and access to free legal aid for the most vulnerable.

  1. References to Kosovo shall be understood to be in the context of Security Council Resolution 1244 (1999).