Constitutional Assistance

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development provides a framework whereby UNDP, working with Member States and other international actors, can enhance and support good governance, just and peaceful societies, and the rule of law – all of which are profoundly shaped by constitutional arrangements. Constitutional reform is a central aspect of UNDP's comprehensive approach to sustaining peace that includes addressing the root causes of conflict, strengthening the rule of law and good governance, and building a common and inclusive vision of society. Constitutions create the institutions, rules and mechanisms that are foundational components for people-centred justice, the realization of human rights, and the rule of law. Constitutions that put people at the centre of justice – through, for example, robust and enforceable rights that include gender equality and environmental protections, and rules and institutions that allow for stronger more responsible governance and greater access to justice – are more likely to contribute to sustainable peace and development.

Mani Centre, Hadjer Lamis, Tchad, 1er février 2019. ..Les populations du Hadjer Lamis et de la région du lac au Tchad ont été considérablement impactées par la montée de l’extrémisme violent et la secte Boko Haram. Insécurité, pauvreté chronique et afflux de déplacés exposent les communautés à des crises humanitaires récurrentes, exacerbant leur vulnérabilité et affectant leur capacité de résilience. ..Financé par la République Fédérale d'Allemagne, le programme intégré de stabilisation du Lac Tchad mis en — People in Hadjer Lamis and the Lake region of Chad significantly impacted by the rise of violent extremism in Mani Centre, Hadjer Lamis, Chad, February 1, 2019.

Aurélia Rusek / PNUD

UNDP’s approach to providing constitutional assistance is grounded in core principles and practices intended to maximize the likelihood of an outcome that is nationally respected and most likely to achieve the goals of sustainable peace and human development. These goals and practices include:

· Seizing the opportunity for peacebuilding and promoting sustainable human development

· Promoting international norms and standards

· Ensuring national ownership

· Supporting and promoting inclusivity, participation and transparency

· Mobilizing and convening a wide range of expertise

· Supporting and promoting effective implementation

Through the Justice Futures CoLab, UNDP's constitutional assistance includes support to constitutional reform process design and execution; capacity strengthening of constitution-making and implementation bodies; strategies for public participation; comparative constitutional design options, including for strengthening fundamental rights, such as rights of women and marginalized or vulnerable groups; strategies for resolving contentious issues; and empowering civil society actors.

Latest publications

Constitutional Assistance

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Protecting Human Rights in Constitutions

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Focal point

Jason Gluck
Policy Specialist, Political Dialogue and Constitutional Processes
jason.gluck@undp.org

Useful resources

Constitute Project

Access every constitution in the world. Filtered search by constitutional topic.

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Global Gender Equality Constitutional Database

The Global Gender Equality Constitutional Database is a repository of gender equality related provisions in 194 constitutions.

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Constitutions and peace processes: A primer

This primer identifies the challenges and opportunities at the nexus of peace processes and constitution making, including lessons learned, policy options and their implications for sustaining peace.

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Explore all justice areas

The Justice Futures CoLab is a space for experimentation, learning and innovation in the justice field.

Justice Futures CoLab