When countries fail to establish the rule of law, justice and security after a crisis, stability can disappear while the delivery of basic social services suffer. A breakdown in the rule of law may exacerbate or cause conflict, and fuel criminality, impunity and insecurity. For 1.5 billion people around the world who live in places affected by conflict or crisis, re-establishing justice and security is critical for building confidence between individuals, between communities, and between the State and society.

In crisis affected countries, UNDP seeks to rapidly restore the rule of law, which includes promoting political dialogue and helping communities to deal with the legacy of conflict; giving people, especially women, access to justice and improved security; and helping institutions such as courts, justice ministries and the police to become more transparent, accountable and respectful of human rights, so the government can re-establish state authority.