Rule of Law and Human Rights

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A police officer in uniform stands attentively among other officers in a group setting.

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For development, we need security. For security, we need rule of law.

Building secure environments is essential for peace and development, for individuals and societies to flourish. One of the key strategies is to enhance rights protection, deliver justice and strengthen the rule of law.

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Five breakthroughs for women’s rights amidst conflict and crisis

This blog details how the Gender Justice Platform improves the lives of women and girls, and why it’s essential when conflicts are raging

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Dhaka’s 'Gotham': Bangladesh revolution, political art, and the road ahead

These murals aren’t just art; they are the heartbeat of this city—a collective outcry for a democratic and inclusive Bangladesh, free from discrimination.

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Transforming police in crisis

The International Day of Police Cooperation highlights the importance of working together for public safety, crime prevention and human rights. Through its community security work in over 40 crisis areas, UNDP has shown that transforming police to focus on people’s needs makes the biggest impact.

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Can rights be protected in conflict?

The world we live in faces intensifying conflicts, deepening inequalities, and eroding trust. Conflicts are at their highest since World War II; the effects of climate change are compounding at an alarming rate.

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Do national human rights institutions hold the key to the SDGs?

In countries where national human rights institutions (NHRIs) are strong and compliant with international standards, they advance the Global Goals, empower individuals and communities, and inform the thinking on going ‘beyond GDP’ as a measurement of progress.

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End armed violence – a development challenge for a violence-free future

The Saving-Lives Entity (SALIENT) showcased its achievements at the Fourth Review Conference of the Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons (RevCon4) that started in New York on 18 June.

Press release

Why National Human Rights Institutions Matter for Prevention and Crisis Response

The UN Development Programme (UNDP) together with the Global Alliance for National Human Rights Institutions and the UN Office for Human Rights convened the 2024 Annual Review Meeting for the Tri-Partite Partnership (TPP) to Support National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) on 23-24 May.

Video Statement by UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner at the High-level Opening of the GANHRI Annual Conference

Who can we rely on to protect human rights and ensure accountability?

Who do you call for help when your rights are infringed upon? In many countries, your first call might be to the police or a lawyer. But in some parts of the world, this is more complicated.

UNDP's Global Programme on Rule of Law and Human Rights

Within UNDP and across the wider UN system, the Global Programme for Strengthening the Rule of Law, Human Rights, Justice and Security for Sustainable Peace and Development is the primary mechanism for the implementation of comprehensive and integrated rule of law and human rights programmes.

Operating via headquarters and at regional and country levels, the Global Programme uniquely combines rule of law, justice, security and human rights expertise, knowledge and ambitions within an overarching umbrella framework for enabling peaceful, just and inclusive societies to ensure that no one is left behind.

The Global Programme contributes to establishing a culture of respect for the rule of law and embedding human rights principles in UNDP’s work to build integrated and sustainable solutions for people and planet.