UNDP Globally

Democratic governance is central to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), as it provides the ‘enabling environment' for the realization of the MDGs and, in particular, the elimination of poverty. The critical importance of democratic governance in the developing world was highlighted at the Millennium Summit of 2000 at the United Nations headquarters in New York, where the world's leaders resolved to "spare no effort to promote democracy and strengthen the rule of law, as well as respect for all internationally recognized human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the right to development." A consensus was reached, recognizing that improving the quality of democratic institutions and processes, and managing the changing roles of the state and civil society in an increasingly globalised world must underpin national efforts to reduce poverty, sustain the environment, and promote human development. UNDP's work in democratic governance is reinforced by its network of over 166 country offices, several regional centres, and its global partnerships with democratic governance institutions.

UNDP’s Support for Democratic Governance in the Islamic Republic of Iran

Responding to the requests and needs of the Iranian Government, UNDP supports the development of institutional capacities at various levels in Iran. UNDP support includes human rights, increasing access to justice, knowledge sharing and networking among local civil society organizations as well as trade.

In collaboration with a range of Human Rights partners including the Centre for Human Rights Studies at the University of Tehran, UNESCO Chair for Human Rights, Peace and Democracy at Shahid Beheshti University, Centre for Human Rights Studies at Mofid University in Qom, the Office of the Deputy Head of the Judiciary for Training and Research, the Islamic Human Rights Commission, the Association of Iranian Journalists,  the Iranian Bar Association, and the Organization for Defending Victims of Violence, UNDP’s project on Capacity Building for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights for a Greater Access to Justice has helped establish free legal aid clinics which have made their services accessible to more than 5000 people from the most vulnerable groups in society.

Trade is linked to development as it can act as an incentive for innovation, lead to a boost in prosperity and enlarge the choices available to people. In partnership with the Government of Iran, UNDP has been working to strengthen institutional capacities to implement an Automated System for Custom Data Administration (ASYCUDA) developed by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) which is currently being implemented in more than 80 countries around the world. The ASYCUDA World software has helped ease existing customs procedures while developing the technical capacity needed to further integrate the country with global trade.

For further information on UNDP’s services and support for Democratic Governance in Iran contact:

Ahmad Salari 
Programme Analyst & Head
Democratic Governance and Trade Programme Cluster
UNDP Iran
Tel:  (9821) 22860691-4 (x 411)
Fax: (9821) 2286 9547
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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