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.

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Haoliang Xu,
Acting Administrator, UNDP

Foreword

Breakthroughs in science, technology, and other fields have opened up incredible opportunities – showing what we can achieve when we work together. Yet, rising inequality, democratic backsliding, and growing mistrust in institutions have left many people cut off from the promise of development.

At this critical time, advancing the rule of law and human rights is essential. They are a bridge to rebuild trust, strengthen resilience, and ensure progress reaches everyone, everywhere.

This 2024 annual report of UNDP’s Global Programme for Strengthening the Rule of Law, Human Rights, Justice and Security for Sustainable Peace and Development shows how we are responding to some of the most pressing challenges of our time. It details UNDP’s work across more than 100 countries and territories. That includes supporting national partners to expand access to justice, strengthen human rights protections, and build institutions that serve people with fairness and dignity.

As of 2024, UNDP’s efforts have helped to advance access to justice for over 58.7 million people.

This report highlights how innovation, partnerships, and people-centered approaches are driving meaningful change. In South Sudan, for example, over 17,000 people accessed justice through courts and police protection units. In Kyrgyzstan, sustained engagement helped increase the national legal aid budget more than ninefold between 2018 and 2024, expanding services to thousands.

Through platforms like the UN Global Focal Point for the Rule of Law and the Gender Justice Platform, we are fostering new collaboration across the UN system and beyond.

Our expertise has also contributed to shaping global norms. That includes the European Union’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, which calls on companies to avoid harming human rights and peace in conflict-affected areas.

This report reflects the dedication of countless people and institutions working to uphold the principles of justice, security, and human rights. Together with our partners and donors, we are proving that progress is within reach when it is grounded in principles that leave no one behind.

Haoliang Xu,
Acting Administrator, United Nations Development Programme
(UNDP)