Rule of law :: United Nations Development Programme

Rule of law

China’s efforts to construct a formalised legal system have been very successful. Legal reform became a government priority in the late 1990s as China deepened economic reforms and prepared for WTO entry, and in March 1999, the concept of the rule of law was formally incorporated into the state constitution.

Over the past two decades, new criminal and civil codes have been put in place, and the courts are becoming more professional, more empowered and their proceedings are increasingly institutionalized. The people’s congresses are increasingly assuming their constitutional law-making and government oversight responsibilities, as well as becoming more responsive to the concerns of the people they represent. Citizens have more legal rights and are now actively using the courts to resolve business and civil disputes as well as cases involving arbitrary government action.

While major improvements have been achieved, reforms still need to be further strengthened in certain areas. For example, there is a discrepancy between the gradual improvement in legislation and the weakness of actual law enforcement. Moving to the phase of enforcing legislation and widening legal reforms, key challenges for the judiciary include promoting publicly accessible court proceedings and written judgements, encouraging media coverage and public outreach, as well as strengthening the professionalism of the judiciary to address judicial corruption and build public confidence.

The promotion of human rights, especially those of the poor and the disadvantaged, and anchoring governance in international principles, is another key area where UNDP works closely with government institutions such as the Ministry of Justice, the Supreme People’s Court and local courts, and various civil society organisations. China’s increasing integration into global processes heightens the importance of international norms, conventions, and standards, particularly those concerning human rights. The implementation of international standards is a powerful tool in the fight against the inequality and injustice brought about by rapid economic growth.

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Closed Projects

Umbrella Programme to Support Promotion of Rule of Law in China

Enhancing Legal Aid Service for Migrant Workers in China

Promoting women's equal rights and participation in local governance