Introduction

As we launch this global report on rule of law and human rights, I’m reminded of the people behind the numbers – those living through war, displacement and climate shocks. I’ve met many of them, from Syria to South Sudan, Ukraine to the Central African Republic (CAR). Despite unimaginable challenges, they continue to seek justice and rebuild their lives. In 2024, one powerful moment stood out: the Special Criminal Court in CAR awarded financial reparations to victims for the first time. A milestone in the fight against impunity.

In every crisis, justice, human rights and the rule of law are essential tools for recovery and peace. Through our Global Programme for Strengthening the Rule of Law, Human Rights, Justice and Security for Sustainable Peace and Development, UNDP supported over 100 countries and territories last year. In Ukraine, more than 254,000 people, including displaced persons and survivors of war-related crimes, received legal aid through the Free Legal Aid System. In the State of Palestine, over 13,500 people accessed legal assistance through our joint programme with UN Women and UNICEF.

We’ve adapted to complex and fragile environments by supporting national systems that are fair, inclusive and grounded in local realities. In Myanmar, land disputes are being resolved through a Collaborative Dispute Resolution mechanism, with more local mediators trained to handle civil conflicts. In Yemen, women mediators and paralegals resolved over 1,300 grassroots disputes, mostly family-related, working closely with civil society and formal institutions. These efforts are often the only accessible form of justice for many.

Security is another area where we’ve seen tangible progress. In Somalia, over 4,000 people – 1,700 of them women – shared their concerns and ideas directly with security officials. This participatory approach helped shape police reform and rebuild trust. In Mali, local residents were involved in security initiatives that led to a noticeable drop in attacks in previously high-risk areas.

Reducing armed violence is also central to our work. Through SALIENT, our joint initiative with the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs, six countries made significant progress in 2024. Ghana passed a new Arms Bill aligned with international standards. Kyrgyzstan piloted a digital weapons registry to improve firearm traceability. In Jamaica and Honduras, young people, some of whom used to carry firearms even in schools, learned to resolve conflicts peacefully. These are the kinds of changes that ripple through communities.

In Lebanon and Moldova, Syrian and Ukrainian refugees received legal support, while we worked to strengthen social cohesion in host areas. In Bangladesh’s Cox’s Bazar, we aim to improve local security through safe plans designed jointly by the police and the communities. In Moldova, UNDP piloted a system to monitor and respond to social tensions in refugee-hosting communities.

Our commitment to inclusion remains strong. In Guatemala, Indigenous women and youth were empowered to become community tourist guides, preserving historical memory while gaining economic independence. In Fiji, police reform included a community policing model tailored to Indigenous coastal communities, blending formal governance with traditional practices.

At the policy level, we launched the Human Rights-Based Approach Toolkit, a practical guide for using human rights to solve problems, anticipate risks and build resilience.

I am grateful for the continued support of our partners that drives our work to ensure human dignity, rights and justice for a safer world. In 2024, the Global Programme operated thanks to the generous contributions of Austria, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Japan, The Netherlands, Norway, Republic of Korea, Sweden, United Kingdom, United States.

This report is a reflection of the courage and determination of people working for justice in the most difficult circumstances. Women leading community dialogues. Youth reimagining justice. Institutions striving to reform.

We stand with them, not just in recovery, but in the heart of crisis. Their resilience is what drives us forward.