UNDP Supports Mali's Justice Department with Equipment and Legal Codes

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has handed over IT equipment and copies of the new Penal Code and Code of Criminal Procedure to Mali's Ministry of Justice and Human Rights. This initiative, part of the Programme d'appui à la stabilisation du Mali (PROSMED), aims to strengthen the rule of law and improve access to judicial services. The handover ceremony took place on November 5 in the presence of Minister Mamoudou Kassogué and UNDP Resident Representative Evelyne Rukundo Bamba.

The equipment, valued at $493,193 (approximately 290 million CFA francs), includes laptops, tablets, internet modems, and other IT tools. The UNDP also provided copies of the new Penal Code and Code of Criminal Procedure to support judges and other justice professionals in their work. This initiative is supported by the Kingdom of the Netherlands and aims to enhance the capacity of judicial actors and accelerate the digitalization of justice services.

The UNDP's support for Mali's justice sector is part of a broader effort to strengthen the rule of law and improve access to justice. In the first half of the year, 225 justice actors, including 51 women, received training on the new Penal Code, land dispute management, and judicial communication. The partnership also informed nearly 3,000 people about their rights and provided training for 111 community jurists.

The modernization of Mali's justice system is a key priority for the government. Minister Kassogué emphasized that the introduction of digital technology is crucial to improving the efficiency and transparency of judicial services. The e-justice platform, developed with national expertise, will enable the digitalization of judicial procedures and reduce waiting times, lost files, and the risk of document falsification.

The UNDP's initiative also aims to improve working conditions for justice sector professionals. The equipment provided will enable better recording and tracking of cases, while tablets and internet equipment will facilitate data collection and transmission. The National Directorate of Human Rights and the Cellule de planification et de statistique will also benefit from these tools.

The new Penal Code and Code of Criminal Procedure are critical components of Mali's justice reform efforts. Minister Kassogué stressed that these texts must be accessible to justice actors to guide their decisions and practices. The codes reflect the government's commitment to adapting Mali's legal framework to societal changes and human rights requirements.

The modernization of Mali's justice system is essential to restoring public trust in the institution. The government has identified three key areas for action: modernizing judicial infrastructure, providing continuous training for justice actors, and improving access to justice services. The UNDP's support is critical to achieving these goals and promoting a more efficient, transparent, and accessible justice system.

Key points

• The UNDP has provided Mali's Justice Department with IT equipment and new penal codes to enhance judicial efficiency and access to justice.