UNDP Peacebuilding 2022-2024

Below selected results from 2023 are focusing on the following two programs included in this overall contribution: 1) Global Programme for Strengthening the Rule of Law, Human Rights, Justice and Security for Sustainable Peace and Development (GP) Overall/global/regional: - In 2023, the GP provided financial, technical and expert support to over 100 countries and territories worldwide. In 17 contexts, the GP support has contributed to the establishment and/or strengthening of justice & security mechanisms, processes and frameworks to prevent, respond to and address sexual and gender-based violence and conflict-related sexual violence. In 11 contexts, the GP introduced or strengthened people-centred and gender-sensitive transitional justice solutions. The GP developed or strengthened 59 people-centred justice or security services, policies, or innovative digital solutions. - In 2023, the Gender Justice Platform broadened its network and outreach through new partnerships. The in-country programming support was also extended as 31 countries globally received support through the Platform. To improve womens effective representation in the justice system in Africa, UNDP and UN Women launched the Women in Justice in Africa Initiative, based on the comprehensive research commissioned through the Gender Justice Platform in 14 African countries. - In 2023, UNDP significantly expanded its support for transitional justice in the Western Balkans with a comprehensive EU-funded project. This initiative aimed to enhance accountability for war crimes, improve victim support mechanisms, and foster cross-border cooperation and inter-ethnic dialogue about past conflicts. Key accomplishments included partnerships with over 40 local civil society organizations (CSOs) to facilitate victims' access to justice and reparations, promoting societal dialogue, and training for journalists and lawyers. The project also facilitated cross-border cooperation in war crimes proceedings, leading to accelerated evidence exchange and case transfers. Additionally, it contributed to the development of gender-responsive justice strategies and extended support to judicial partners in Ukraine, demonstrating its commitment to fostering accountability and healing in the region. - Through its SEESAC project on disarmament, arms control and gender equality in South East Europe, UNDP continued to pioneer innovative solutions to help governments reduce the arms flows. Most notably, by focusing on the regional approach to the small arms and light weapons (SALW) control through the Western Balkans Roadmap initiative, which UNDP is facilitating in close cooperation with the EU and governments in the Western Balkans, Germany and France. The approach has received global recognition and is being replicated in other regions. Examples of results from country contexts: - In Ukraine, UNDP enabled the Free Legal Aid System (FLAS) offices to provide direct quality service and advice to over 100 000 people. Nearly 80% of the beneficiaries, including IDPs, reported they were highly satisfied with the free legal aid services. In addition, UNDP strengthened the capacity of 119 prosecutors and police officers (including 53 women) on investigating and prosecuting war crimes. Overall, UNDPs expert and financial support had a catalytic effect on the development of a nationwide victim and witness support system by the Government, thus bringing a transformative change in strengthening national criminal accountability mechanisms. - Furthermore, to promote community security and social cohesion, UNDP supported the establishment of 81 dialogue platforms in 11 oblasts of Ukraine. These platforms include Community Security and Social Cohesion Working Groups, Community Security and Recovery Working Groups, as well as Internally Displaced Persons Councils, all operating to support inclusive and participatory recovery. Over 1,500 representatives of local authorities, police, the State Emergency Service (SES), and civil society (67 % women) are engaged in these dialogue platforms which developed over 200 community-based initiatives, including 133 micro-projects that received UNDP funding. The initiatives enhance community security and social cohesion, contribute to achieving gender equality, address cases of sexual and gender-based violence, improve the reintegration of IDPs and veterans, and support youth engagement and volunteer initiatives at the local level, benefiting over 58,000 people (58% women). - An additional 333 community members, as well as representatives of police, courts and prosecutors (including 312 women) increased their understanding on the role of women activists in prevention and response to gender-based violence, conflict-related sexual violence, violence against women and girls, as well as the provision of survivor-centred services - In Moldova, UNDP supported the development of a ChatBot Solution that will facilitate access for refugees to legal information and to the information about the temporary protection mechanisms. The beta version of the ChatBot was piloted, pending validation. In the Edinet and Causeni districts, two mobile teams provided legal, social and psychological services to almost 700 women and girls to prevent and address gender-based violence. Furthermore, to enhance national capacities to respond both to the immediate needs of the Ukrainian refugees and to resolve systemic issues, UNDP continued implementing the project aimed at strengthening access to justice through legal empowerment of refugees. The project, supported by the GP reinforced the Humanitarian-Development-Peace nexus. This initiative was integrated with and supported the realization of the 2022 UN inter-agency Regional Refugee Response Plan for Moldova, coordinated by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the Government of Moldova. - In Kazakhstan, UNDP facilitated special trainings in the regions to address gender-based violence in line with best international practices. Fifty police inspectors improved their understanding on work with gender-based violence survivors, including prevention and effective investigation techniques that avoid secondary victimization. - Under the project run by the UNDP Accelerator Lab team, UNDP in Bosnia and Herzegovina undertook a joint effort with UNDP Kosovo in designing and conducting a study to identify opportunities for women's engagement in environmental justice as a pathway to peace. The aim of the study is to examine the environmental and conflict risks, especially for women in rural or less developed areas, and provide insights when women have been at the forefront of environmental activism and advocacy. Furthermore, the study will serve the purpose of raising the public awareness of environmental issues and empower communities, especially women, to advocate for environmental justice. - In Kosovo, UNDP's joint efforts with the South-Eastern and Eastern Europe Clearinghouse for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SEESAC) led to the destruction of over 1,500 small arms and light weapons by the Kosovo Police. Also, UNDP introduced innovative digital tools for the rule of law sector by enabling 500 judges and legal associates to access the Lexdoks resource platform that contains local and international legislation and best judicial practices on dealing with domestic and gender-based violence cases. - In DRC, with technical support from UNDP and funding from Sweden, groundbreaking legal developments took place, with a prospect to improve the human rights protection, including for persons with disabilities, sexual violence survivors and human rights defenders. Five pieces of legislation were adopted and enacted of which: The Law on the Protection and Accountability of Human Rights Defenders; The Law on Basic Principles for the Protection and Reparation of Victims of Sexual Violence and Crimes against the Peace and Security of Mankind; An Act to amend and supplement the Decree of 30 January 1940 on the Congolese Penal Code regarding the prevention and punishment of trafficking in persons and an Act to determine the fundamental principles relating to the penitentiary system in the DRC. - In order to ensure accountability for war crimes and crimes against humanity, UNDP supported judicial and prosecutorial proceedings, especially in cases recognized as priority. In eight out of 107 priority cases, significant progress has been achieved. Three verdicts were issued, and six individuals were convicted for sexual slavery as a crime against humanity. - In Ethiopia, one of the key pillars arising from the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement signed in late 2022 was the commitment towards the formation of a transitional justice policy in Ethiopia. The Ministry of Justice sought technical assistance from UNDP to support the newly formed Interministerial Task Force established to lead on the development of the new policy. UNDP worked closely with the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) and UN Women to support the design of a comprehensive, integrated and context-specific transitional justice policy in Ethiopia which included countrywide consultations and consultative workshops with experts and other key stakeholders. The new Transitional Justice Policy was approved by the Government in March 2024. - In Sudan, UNDP, UNITAMS and the UN Team of Experts on Rule of Law and Sexual Violence in Conflict co-organized a roundtable with the Sudanese Supreme Judicial Authorities. This event brought together Sudanese women judges to explore their pivotal role in handling cases related to gender-based and conflict-related sexual violence, and to identify which resources and training they need to bolster judicial capabilities and service delivery. Joint Programme for Peace and Development Advisors (PDAs) Overall: - PDAs (the full cadre included 133 positions in 2023, which includes international PDAs, national PDOs, UN Volunteers, and secondees) supported national policies and strategies for conflict prevention in 43 countries in 2023. They helped advance the Women, Peace and Security agenda through strengthening capacities and opportunities for womens political engagement in 51 countries, including Brazil, Eswatini and Tunisia. In 45 countries, such as Equatorial Guinea and Venezuela, they helped promote young peoples participation and inclusion in peacebuilding efforts. - In 2023, PDAs advised UNDP programming on civic engagement in Cambodia, and supported a cross-border initiative on preventing violent extremism in Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte dIvoire, Ghana, and Togo. In El Salvador, Jordan and Nigeria, PDAs have mainstreamed the integration of the Sustaining Peace Markeran indicator that tracks the extent to which programme activities contribute to peacebuilding outcomes - into UNCT work plans. - PDAs often play a key role in mobilizing technical and financial resources from across the UN system, including through the PBF, to support prevention and peacebuilding programming. In 2023, all PDAs in countries where PBF process were ongoing provided support to the same, including on eligibility, programme design, and quality assurance. For instance, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the PDA teams advocacy and support through the eligibility process culminated in the launching of three new joint programmes under a USD 10 million PBF portfolio focused on advancing the WPS and YPS agendas Examples of results from geographical contexts: - In Sierra Leone, the PDAs technical support and capacity-building efforts have been directed towards empowering at-risk youth to advance peace and social cohesion within their communities. The outcome of a youth-at-risk assessment, led by the PDA, contributed to a multi-year PBF project aimed at supporting at-risk youth to become enablers of peace. - The PDAs detailed analysis and recommendations regarding the role of youth in peace and development have prompted the UNCT to establish a youth advisory group, also comprised of external partners, to guide UN engagement with and for young people. The UNCT has since also increased its programmatic efforts on youth empowerment, inclusion, and political participation. - The PDA team for the South Caucasus completed the first youth perception survey in the region in 2023, generating new evidence and insights for advancing the YPS agenda.The team is also supporting the Armenian government in the implementation of the national action plan on YPS and assisted in the development of a youth policy by a leading Armenian civil society organization. - In Moldova, the PDA team has been promoting efforts towards social cohesion through utilizing the SCORE Index - a tool developed originally by the Centre for Sustainable Peace and Democratic Development and UNDP to assesses social cohesion and resilience in different contexts. The latest SCORE findings, many of which challenged existing ideas and assumptions, provide the only empirical evidence of what constitutes drivers of and spoilers for peaceful reintegration of the Transnistrian region with the rest of Moldova. By identifying clear recommendations and entry points, this latest evolution of the SCORE better informs key actors and UN entities programmatic activities. The PDA team closely facilitated the development of an ongoing joint OHCHR, UN Women and UNDP PBF Project for "Building sustainable and inclusive peace, strengthening trust and social cohesion in Moldova". The PDA teams work is also ensuring gender perspectives are being thoroughly considered in conflict and other analysis, particularly in the context of the Transnistrian settlement process. The PDA team and UN Women have supported the creation of a cross-river Womens Advisory Board. - In Georgia, the PDA team is strengthening the UNCTs ability to navigate a context characterized by intensifying political polarization. Alongside providing regular analysis for the UNCT, the PDA team has facilitated a research initiative examining the nature of polarization in Georgian society. By identifying key drivers and mechanisms of polarization, the analysis provided valuable insights for the UN and development partners to more effectively engage in sustaining peace efforts in the current political context. It also opened up new joint programming opportunities, including a multi-agency UN initiative on youth civic engagement aimed at overcoming barriers to youth (including young womens) political participation. - In the Philippines, the PDA has worked closely with UN Women to shape the Women Peacebuilding and Humanitarian Funds approach in advancing the WPS agenda in the country. This led to a strategic shift from individual capacity building for women mediators to effecting change at the institutional level by supporting legal registration for women-led, community-based peacebuilding organizations in Mindanao. - The PDA also advised the design of an area-based PBF programme, implemented by UNDP, IOM and UNHCR, that supports the national and BARMM governments address protracted conflict-induced displacement, targeting areas where conflict dynamics threaten to exacerbate displacement. This approach has helped bring together agencies across the HDP nexus to jointly address key issues, such as strengthening early warning and response mechanisms in conflict hotspots to prevent displacement, facilitating peace agreements to enable return of internally displaced persons (IDPs), and enhancing the inclusion of NMIP and women IDPs.

Within the context of UNDP's Strategic Plan 2022-2025 the proposed collaboration between Sida and UNDP will be particularly central to the building resilience direction of change (the other two are Structural Transformation and Leaving no one behind): strengthening systems to respond to different risks, ranging from crisis and conflict to natural disasters, health or economic shocks, and the signature solutions on Resilience, Governance and Environment (the other three are Poverty, Energy and Gender equality). To contribute towards this, the three substantive focus areas of the proposed Sida-UNDP collaboration are: Building national capacities for conflict prevention with DPPA, Strengthening the rule of law, human rights, justice and security and Preventing conflict, sustaining peace and climate security. Supporting countries to build resilience entails strengthening capacities to anticipate, prevent, respond to, and recover from the impacts of crises and shocks, towards which the proposed areas will contribute. The fourth area of the proposed collaboration on core capacities, is a complement and enabler to the substantive areas in this proposal as well as to UNDPs overall work in crisis and fragility. Since this is an integrated global support to peacebuilding within UNDP, including several different components, the theory of change and main objectives are listed below per component; For the JP on PDAs; Theory of change: When efforts to prevent conflict and sustain peace are analysis-based, robust, inclusive, and nationally-led, and when these are supported to an appropriate extent by coherent international strategies and programmes, Member States are better equipped to mitigate the risks of conflict and fragility, and to pursue their development priorities. Objectives: Based on this overall theory of change, the Joint programme is designed to contribute to the following two mutually supportive outcomes. Outcome 1: Targeted initiatives and national capacities are more effectively contributing to conflict prevention and sustaining peace. Outcome 2: UN Country Teams have strategies and programmes that are increasingly conflict sensitive and are leading partnerships on sustaining peace. For the subwindow on conflict prevention, climate-security and the global project on conflict prevention, peacebuilding and responsive institutions; UNDPs Prevention Offer (2022-2025) is a corporate effort to articulate UNDPs prevention and peacebuilding with the ambition to promote a strong development lens that calls for acting early and at scale in conflict and crisis prevention and peacebuilding. Its objectives are threefold, to: (i) stabilize and protect hard-won development gains; (ii) mitigate risks of relapse or recurrence; and (iii) build institutional and community resilience to sustain peaceful development pathways. The Prevention Offer identifies three critical pathways as to how these objectives would be achieved: analysis and analytics for evidence-based action, resources for peacebuilding (human, financial, advocacy, space, partnerships and beyond), and predictable and sustained technical support. The Swedish contribution to the sub-window on Conflict Prevention and Sustaining Peace will enable delivery of the prevention and sustaining peace ambition at two levels: 1. Country-facing flexible thematic funding in support of UNDPs corporate strategies as well as country office initiatives; and 2. The policy-oriented CPPRI global project (and its integrated portfolio of peacebuilding, prevention, PVE, institutions in fragile and conflict settings and climate security). This component facilitates global policy, advocacy, guidance, regional support and human resource accompaniment to UNDPs conflict prevention and sustaining peace agenda. GP on Rule of Law and Human Rights; The Theory of Change The programmes theory of change is designed on the basis of a core assumption, affirmed in Agenda 2030 and SDG 16, that rule of law, justice, security and human rights are interlinked and mutually reinforcing concepts that, when strengthened together, enable more peaceful, just and inclusive societies. Therefore, the Global Programme adopts a multi-disciplinary systems approach to addressing structural inequality and discrimination, to complement strengthening institutional rule of law and human rights capacity. This approach places people at the centre of all efforts and is grounded in the following theory of change statement: If all people in their diversity, and especially the excluded, marginalized and those furthest behind, are empowered to have agency to articulate and advocate for their security, justice, and human rights needs, access remedies and redress, and effectively participate in decision-making processes; and if human rights defenders can effectively challenge and address exclusion and discrimination to influence laws, policies and practices with and on behalf of the excluded, marginalized and those furthest behind; and if duty-bearers and power-holders develop the political will, resources and capacities to respond to the human rights, justice and security needs and demands of all people, and especially the excluded, marginalized and those furthest behind, and are held accountable for their actions, and if human rights, justice and security systems are inclusive and responsive to peoples needs and work to inspire peoples trust and confidence; and if international and regional actors support these national and sub-national processes by advocating for human rights and people-centred justice and security, safeguarding civic space, and ensuring accountability, based on respect for human rights and the rule of law; then power relations between people, and especially the excluded, marginalized and those furthest behind, on the one hand and duty-bearers and power-holders on the other are likelier to be fairer, more inclusive, sustainable and legitimatesupporting a strengthened, inclusive, and rights-based social contract, which will contribute to sustainable development, stability and security in the long-term, because the ability of people, and especially the excluded, marginalized and those furthest behind, to claim their human rights and access basic security and justice within a context of inclusive governance, open civic space and respect for human rights and the rule of law, increases a sense of stability and security within communities, increases trust between the state and its people, and reduces the potential for violence. Programme Outcome 1: Inclusive, people-centered systems that provide quality justice and security services and uphold and protect human rights are trusted and accessible, especially in contexts affected by crisis, conflict or fragility. Programme Outcome 2: Regional and global policy on rule of law, justice, security and human rights is evidence-based, affirms a development perspective and informs high-quality programming. Crisis Bureau core capacities: The objective of these positions is to continue to allow the Crisis Bureau to provide Country Offices in crisis settings with strategic, integrated and coherent support, undertake strategic advocacy for UNDPs agenda in crisis and fragility, develop new and nurturing existing partnerships for the Crisis Bureau and promote UNDPs role in crisis response and recovery and its thought leadership in resilience, stabilization, migration and conflict prevention. This remains as relevant today if not more given the COVID-19 crisis has severe impact on peace and development. Fragile and conflict settings continue to remain the most at risk and the 2030 Agenda will not deliver on its targets without a significant increase in investments to address fragility and crisis, and build capacities to anticipate and respond to global threats. At the same time the socio-economic impact on donor countries had a significant negative impact on the overall donor landscape and this risk resulting in lower allocations to fragile and crisis contexts. Enhanced efforts to nurture and expand partnerships is therefore essential.