Bhutan’s journey towards a people-centred, trusted and inclusive justice system reflects its strong commitment to dignity, fairness and the rule of law. Sustaining a high-quality pipeline of Bhutanese legal professionals and strengthening institutions such as the JSW School of Law, Bar Council of Bhutan and Bhutan National Legal Institute are critical to this vision. Through its partnership with the Wisdom Center for Justice at JSW Law School, and with the continued support of the European Union, UNDP is proud to contribute to strengthening legal aid, institutional capacity, grassroots legal awareness and citizen-centred justice delivery. A strong and credible justice system is also essential for building investor confidence and supporting Bhutan’s broader development ambitions, including the Gelephu Mindfulness City. As justice systems across Asia and the Pacific evolve through digital technologies and artificial intelligence, Bhutan has an opportunity to embrace innovation responsibly. Digital and AI-enabled solutions can improve access and efficiency, but innovation must remain grounded in fairness, transparency, accountability and inclusion. A future-ready justice system must respond to the needs of women, children, persons with disabilities, youth, older persons and remote communities. Innovation must serve inclusion—not become an end in itself. UNDP remains committed to working with Bhutan’s justice institutions and partners to build a justice system that is accessible, trusted and responsive today, while confidently preparing for the future.
