Canada and UNDP

Rule of Law Project, Sudan

Partner: United Nations Development Program
FAC Contribution: $1,000,000
Time-frame: October 2005 - March 2006
Thematic area: Protection of Civilians
Geographic area: Sudan

Since the signature of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, the political conditions for implementing assistance programs in Sudan have improved, however the situation on the ground remains volatile. In Darfur, the ongoing armed conflict is a major constraint in establishing a national framework for the rule of law and sustainable peace. Systematic violations of human rights and humanitarian law committed against the civilian population have caused massive displacement and a breakdown of law and order. Women and girls are exposed to armed attacks in their villages, and refugee camps are particularly vulnerable to sexual and gender-based violence.

With the support of the Human Security Program, the United Nations Development Program will address the most immediate needs in the rule of law sector and build the capacity for medium and long-term reform of the justice sector. This initiative has two components. The first will raise awareness of human rights amongst law-enforcement, judiciary and security officials; provide access to justice for displaced persons and returnees; and promote a transition from military rule to civil governance. The second component will strengthen the criminal justice process in dealing with sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) cases; reduce the vulnerability of girls and women to SGBV; and provide psycho-social support to victims of SGBV and post conflict-related trauma.