Protecting human rights

Protecting human rights

The protection of human rights and respect for rule of law in the Europe and Central Asia region is challenged by ongoing and protracted conflict situations, allegations of large-scale corruption, political instability and shrinking democratic space in some countries. Vulnerable and marginalized groups continue to have difficulty accessing public services, including education, health, employment and legal services, and being integrated in society.

UNDP works with governments and other national partners in strengthening systems of protecting human rights and collaborate with international human rights mechanisms, such as the Universal Periodic Review and UN human rights treaty bodies. For example, we support  designing and implementing  National Human Rights Action Plans, implementing measures for prevention of torture and working toward the elimination of discrimination and promotion of the rights of persons with disabilities.

One of changemaker Zaruhi Batoyan’s goals is to make sure people with disabilities are in the driver’s seat when it comes to decisions about their lives. Photo: Eduard Arustamyan

Working with National Human Rights institutions (NHRIs) is a key priority for UNDP in the region. Our assistance includes revision of existing legal frameworks, assessing and building the capacities of NHRIs with a view to strengthen their compliance with Paris Principles; and developing effective systems to handle complaints. UNDP works with NHRIs on:

  • Supporting the development and implementation of the Kyiv Declaration,  strengthening NHRIs’ role in preventing conflict and ensuring respect for human rights and their protection in conflict-affected and fragile settings;
  • Cross-regional exchange on the human rights-based approach in implementing and monitoring the SDGs, and the policy guidance and capacity support that NHRIs need.

The Central Asia Support Initiative for National Human Rights Institutions is the first of its kind, bringing together the five NHRIs from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. The initiative, supported by UNDP and Office of the High Commission of Human Rights, established a regional platform for more effective, independent and interconnected NHRIs in Central Asia, through stronger mutual cooperation and technical support.

The Human Rights Council's unanimous endorsement of the United Nations Guiding Principles  on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) in 2011 represented a watershed moment for tackling adverse impacts on people by businesses. For the first time, they provided a globally recognized and authoritative framework for governments and business enterprises' respective duties and responsibilities to prevent and address such impacts. During the past ten years, UNGPs have guided global efforts to reduce or eliminate the adverse impact of business operations on human rights. However, time has proved that the progress achieved is insufficient to effectively regulate the rapidly transforming relations between states, businesses, and people. It is particularly relevant for the ECIS region, where the implementation of non-binding UNGPs remains a one-off rather than a continuous practice.  UNDP supports the Business and Human Rights agenda in the region by advancing the development of National Action Plans and supporting the formulation and implementation of relevant policy and legal frameworks.