Years of unrest and civil war have left Sudan with large population displacement and widespread destruction. Institutions of governance have been seriously undermined and the domestic capacity for service delivery very limited in many parts of the country.

UNDP Sudan democratic governance and Rule Law programme, supports governance institutions and capacity building at all levels. This includes support to local governance, public administration reform, and decentralization, civil service development, strengthening the capacities of key stakeholders, such as political parties, media and civil society and marginalized groups, including minorities and women, as effective instruments of democratic practice.

The governance agenda aims at fostering an open, evidence-based and tolerant environment for citizens’ social dialogue on critical issues about the future of the country and increasing political rights’ awareness amongst the Sudanese public. Promotion of the principles of inclusion and better management of public finances and resources in addition to increased accountability of public institutions, elected officials, and civil servants are amongst UNDP’s key priorities for development in Sudan. UNDP continues to contribute to significant development changes in the area of access to justice to empower marginalized and vulnerable groups, with a special focus in the states of Darfur, Gedarif, South Kordofan and Blue Nile.

UNDP is currently assisting the country in meeting post-conflict expectations with new legal and judicial structures by building the capacity of the national Judiciary and by also supporting the process of legislative reform, including efforts by the Ministry of Justice to develop legal aid legislation.

The following list provides detailed information on the governance and rule of law activities across the country: