Legislative reform and effective justice systems

Legislative reform and making justice systems more effective must involve constructive collaborations with national actors. UNDP assists national authorities to put specific measures in place to ensure inclusive and equitable justice.

Strengthening justice institutions involves everything from courts, prosecution services and legal aid services to police, prisons and correction systems. In this process, we involve users and civil society and ensure the reforms align with the international rule of law standards. UNDP engages the public in legislative processes and enhances the quality of legislation through its support to the Parliaments.

We strengthen the knowledge and skills of judges, prosecutors, lawyers, ministries, civil society and the security forces, supporting access to alternative dispute resolution, including mediation and arbitration, and strengthening criminal justice institutions to fight against impunity according to due process.

UNDP work towards effective justice systems includes:

• supporting public dialogue platforms by bringing together governments, civil society, lawyers and academics to discuss policy decisions and legislative reforms aimed at improving justice processes;
• building the capacity of training centres for judicial and justice practitioners to align with international standards;
• building the capacities of law enforcement and justice institutions to deal with sexual and gender-based violence;
• piloting innovations such as e-justice and e-courts.