LocationsOne of the many key initiatives in the justice sector supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Legal Aid Centre is driving Bhutan’s efforts to ensure equal access to justice for all, particularly the vulnerable.
Bhutan’s Legal Aid Centre provides assistance where it is needed the most
May 12, 2025
Tshering Yuden with her two children
Tshering Yuden, 22, mother of two, found herself unable to register her children in the national census—a process in Bhutan that requires cooperation from both parents. Tshering’s estranged husband refused to help, leaving her alone and helpless.
Left without financial means or legal knowledge, the young mother turned to the Legal Aid Centre. What followed was a lifeline. The centre not only offered her free legal representation but also walked her through every step of the legal process. “Words are not enough to express how thankful I am to the centre,” said Tshering. I don’t know what would have happened had the centre not come to my rescue.”
For Tshering, it was more than just legal assistance—it was a chance to regain her dignity and safeguard the future of her children.
More than just numbers
Tshering’s story is just one of many. Since its opening in October 2022, the Legal Aid Centre has assisted 155 individuals in need, including 22 women in difficult circumstances like Tshering, offering legal counsel and representation free of charge. These cases aren’t just statistics; they are stories of life-changing impact of having access to legal support, especially for those who otherwise would be left behind.
Take the case of Karma (name changed), who, after a tragic workplace accident in 2019, was forced to amputate one of his arms. His employer promised compensation, but for three years, no action was taken. Having no means to file a court case, he remained unemployed and dependent on his family for everything. In 2002, with the help of the Legal Aid Centre, he was able to secure compensation.
In another case, Pema and his wife Choden (names changed), devastated by a personal accident, regained their financial stability after receiving compensation through the Legal Aid centre support, allowing them to rebuild their lives from the ground up. For those mired in land disputes, the centre supported them in navigating the complex legal processes and achieving resolutions.
The Legal Aid Centre, established under the Bhutan National Legal Institute (BNLI) in 2022, is one of the 11 justice sector agencies that UNDP supports and collaborates with as part of its broader partnership with the justice sector in Bhutan.
“The Constitution of the Kingdom of Bhutan mandates the state to provide legal aid to individuals in need. The establishment of the Legal Aid Centre in 2022 was a critical step towards fulfilling this important constitutional mandate,” said Drangpon Pema Needup, Director General of BNLI. “Since its establishment, the Legal Aid Centre has proved to be a vital lifeline for the vulnerable, enabling them to access fair representation. While legal aid does not necessarily guarantee favourable outcomes, it empowers the underprivileged to stand on equal ground before the law, which is fundamental to ensuring equitable access to justice.”
Participants of the “Interpretation of Laws” training pose for a group photo with Her Royal Highness Princess Sonam Dechan Wangchuck, President of the Bhutan National Legal Institute. The two-day training, held in Paro, is organised by BNLI in partnership with UNDP in 2019.
A partnership spanning almost a decade
UNDP’s partnership with the justice sector began with the formulation of the first Justice Sector Strategic Plan (JSSP I) in 2018, which brought together all key justice sector agencies, marking a milestone in Bhutan's commitment to a more inclusive and efficient legal system. It was during the development of this plan that a National Key Result Area on Justice was first articulated in Bhutan’s 12th Five-Year Plan (FYP) that ran from 2018-2023, aligning with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG 16), which emphasises promoting justice for all.
UNDP also supported the establishment of BNLI in 2007 and the Bar Council of Bhutan in 2021. These institutions, alongside the Legal Aid Centre, form a strong network that ensures legal rights are accessible to all, especially vulnerable groups like women in difficult circumstances and persons with disabilities. In 2024, Her Royal Highness Princess Sonam Dechan Wangchuck, the President of BNLI and Bar Council, presented UNDP Bhutan with a certificate of recognition, acknowledging the integral role it played in strengthening Bhutan’s justice sector.
UNDP’s support to Bhutan’s justice sector, made possible through core resources, enabled UNDP to continue its engagement in significant initiatives like the second Justice Sector Strategic Plan launched in November 2024. This long-established partnership with the justice sector has also created a solid foundation for leveraging additional partnerships, including the European Union’s 1 million Euro contribution aimed at supporting Bhutan’s efforts to enhance democratic governance and equitable access to justice. The Bhutan-UNDP-EU partnership is central to realising Bhutan’s goal of a justice sector that is more responsive to the needs of its citizens.
