Human rights and justice in Europe & CIS

The rule of law and human rights

The rule of law, human rights, and access to justice are fundamental to human development. Without them, it can be difficult for people to realize their full capabilities, explore opportunities and live a free and safe life.

Many countries in Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) have established laws and institutions, such as judicial bodies, national human rights commissions or ombudsman offices, which protect human rights and ensure access to justice.

However, many countries in the region – to varying degrees – are still challenged with issues including violation of civil and political rights, denial of economic, social and cultural rights, lack of access to justice, corruption, social exclusion, gender inequality, organized crime, ethnic tension and violence, and increased vulnerability to economic instability.
 

What we do

UNDP partners with human rights and justice institutions and civil society organizations as they strengthen their capacities for human rights, rule of law, and justice. This includes:

• Amending national legislation to better protect human rights,  Adhering to national and international principles and mechanisms, (human rights based approach, basic principles on the independence of the judiciary, and the universal periodic review)
• Reporting to United Nations Treaty Bodies and establishing independent judicial bodies and national human rights institutions
• Strengthening national human rights protection systems
• Developing capacities to protect minorities, ensure gender equality, integrate disability issues into development, and operate independently
• Supporting national mechanisms for prevention, gender equality, as well as parliamentary committees and working groups responsible for human rights and justice.
• Implementing the Convention on the Rights of the Persons with Disabilities
• Developing strategies for making legal and justice services more available and accessible to people living in poverty and marginalized populations such as minorities, persons with disabilities, people living with, or affected by, HIV, and women
• Strengthening legal services such as legal aid, and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms
• Promoting judicial and legal reform including judicial integrity