Strengthening and coordinating United Nations rule of law activities

Report of the Secretary-General

Summary

The present report, submitted pursuant to General Assembly resolution 66/102, complements the proposals of the Secretary-General on possible outcomes for the high-level meeting of the Assembly, contained in his report entitled “Delivering justice: programme of action to strengthen the rule of law at the national and international levels” (A/66/749). It illustrates key achievements and challenges in strengthening the rule of law at the national and international levels over the past year, and highlights continuing progress and the next steps to be taken towards developing a more comprehensive and joint United Nations approach in support of national priorities.


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* Reissued for technical reasons on 5 October 2012.
**A/67/150.


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II.  Fostering the rule of law at the international level

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C.   Non-judicial dispute resolution and accountability mechanisms

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19. The establishment by the United Nations of international commissions of inquiry or fact-finding missions contributes to enhancing human rights protection, combating impunity, and restoring trust both between parties and in political processes and institutions. …  In March 2012, an independent, international fact-finding mission was established to investigate the implications of Israeli settlements on the political, economic, social and cultural rights of the Palestinian people throughout the Occupied Palestinian Territory (Human Rights Council resolution 19/17).  

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III. United Nations approach to the rule of law at the national level

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A. Framework for strengthening the rule of law

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3. Institutions of justice, governance, security and human rights
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34. Ensuring the delivery of just, equitable and effective services which ensure the rule of law is a key to enhancing State legitimacy. In the Occupied Palestinian Territory, a 61 per cent increase was achieved in the execution of court decisions through the UNDP-supported Palestinian Maintenance Fund, a government body that collects alimony and support payments from former spouses and enhances coordination with relevant government ministries.
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5. Empowering individuals and civil society
46. Legal aid services are key requirements for ensuring access to justice. … In 2011, UNDP engagement with civil society organizations and the Ministry of Justice in the Occupied Palestinian Territory resulted in the establishment of six additional legal aid clinics.
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