The rule of law is based on justice and security – two of the most essential prerequisites for sustainable peace and development. From Afghanistan to Nepal to Somalia, UNDP rule of law programmes are delivering tangible results on legal aid, tackling sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), enhancing justice and security service provision, strengthening security sector governance, and supporting transitional justice processes. This programme document represents the basis for initiating “phase II” of UNDP’s Global Programme for Strengthening the Rule of Law, for 2012 through 2015, and details its strategic approach. In particular phase II has a stronger emphasis on strengthening the rule of law to prevent violent conflict, particularly in fragile and transitional environments. It also capitalizes on the policy development experience and architecture funded through the Access to Justice for Human Development programme in order to ensure long-term and sustainable support to UNDP rule of law programmes.