United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Justice and Human Rights in Afghanistan Project (JHRA) phase II aims to increase the public’s trust in Afghan justice institutions to create the necessary foundation for the re-establishment of State legitimacy. JHRA Phase II was initiated in 2013. 

In 2013, JHRA provided important support to (i) establish functional high-level coordination mechanisms for developing policy and legislation in accordance with international and national standards with the Ministry of Justice (MoJ); (ii) establish functional mechanisms to provide quality justice services to vulnerable groups through Afghan counterparts; and, (iii) establish public participation processes and knowledge base for improving access to justice and human rights compliance through government institutions, Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC) and civil society organizations (CSOs). 

Under Output 1, JHRA works with the MoJ to increase the capacity of the Government of Afghanistan in producing informed and compliant legislation. Under this component a total of 456 (333 M, 123 F) people were trained, two key government documents were produced, 126 legal documents were translated, and three State reporting processes were supported. 

In 2013, JHRA supported the development of key policies and laws based on research and evidence-based needs, including support to the drafting, research and review processes of the Human Rights Regulation and Access to Information Act, which have direct impact on the rights for vulnerable groups. Further, the Human Rights Support Unit (HRSU) was more regularly involved in Taqnin meetings to discuss draft legislation received by the MoJ. HRSU’s support ensured that there was compliance with the international human rights obligations.