Rule of Law and Human Rights

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Story

Rights in your pocket: Everyday items, universal values

A key, a phone, a notebook. The objects we carry often tell a bigger story of safety, dignity and equality. Explore the ordinary objects tell extraordinary stories about human rights.

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

Story

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.

Seven graduates in colorful academic gowns with tassels, posing against a dark backdrop.

Story

On the bench, for the people. Women changing justice.

When justice reflects the people it serves, trust grows. Women judges are reshaping courts, challenging barriers, and strengthening fairness – showing how representation can influence decisions and everyday lives.

Photograph of a student writing at a desk in a classroom, wearing a patterned headscarf.

Story

Justice beyond the courtroom: Local solutions that make a difference

For many, justice happens beyond formal courts. Community mediators and local solutions are expanding access – while highlighting the need for fairness, inclusion, and stronger links to formal systems.

Damaged storefront with exposed walls and a person walking by under cloudy skies.

Blog

How business can counteract conflict

In conflict settings, business decisions matter. Companies can help reduce harm, navigate risks, and support stability – highlighting the importance of conflict-sensitive approaches in responsible business practice.

Person with headset sits at desk, laptop displaying a video conference; backpack in background.

Blog

UNDP’s Digital Rights Dashboard: A conversation starter on human rights in the digital age

As digital systems shape everyday life, protecting rights online is critical. UNDP’s Digital Rights Dashboard helps map gaps and spark dialogue – offering a starting point for more informed, rights-based digital development.

Press release

Making Digital Spaces Safe: Global action against online gender-based violence

Online gender-based violence is rising globally. UNDP and partners convened governments, law enforcement, and civil society to advance coordinated, survivor-centred responses and safer digital spaces.

Seven panelists seated in a row on stage during a conference, with a blue backdrop.

Press release

Putting people first: UNDP champions people-centred justice as a catalyst for peace and development

Putting people at the centre of justice is key to lasting peace and development. UNDP’s new Programming Guide helps country offices translate this approach into practice, with tools to strengthen fairness, trust, and inclusion.

Worker in protective gear directing machinery on a construction site with piles of dirt.

Blog

Conflict-sensitive business conduct guides Ukraine's recovery

In this blog, UNDP explores how conflict-sensitive business conduct can support Ukraine’s recovery, helping companies navigate risks, avoid harm, and contribute to a more inclusive and resilient future.

Blog

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

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

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

It is UNDP’s flagship programme that integrates the rule of law, justice, security, human rights, business and human rights, local action, conflict prevention and peacebuilding.

The Global Programme operates at global, regional, national and local levels, tailoring reforms to each context, with a strong focus on fragile and crisis-affected settings. Each year, over 100 countries and territories receive financial, technical, advisory and policy support.

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

In 2025, the Global Programme has started its Phase V (2025-2029).

The Global Programme is implemented under the Governance, Rule of Law and Peacebuilding Hub (GRP) which is jointly led by the UNDP Crisis Bureau and the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support.

The Global Programme operates thanks to the generous contributions of:

Austria, European Union, Finland, Generalitat Valenciana, Germany, Iceland, Japan, Lichtenstein, Netherlands, Norway, Republic of Korea, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States.