Just Future Alliance
outcomes
The JFA aims to strengthen the social contract in fragile settings in three interconnected outcome areas:
People-Centered Security
The Just Future program aims to improve security provision to marginalized communities by engaging with relevant actors and advocating for accountability, responsiveness, and inclusion in accordance with human rights standards. To achieve this, we need to prioritize people-centered solutions and shift the relationship between society and security providers. By effectively guaranteeing people’s safety, security services can build mutual trust and confidence between the most excluded communities and state security providers.
 It’s essential that people see themselves as the owners of security, and civil society can help them by monitoring and holding duty-bearers accountable, while working with local security actors and international partners to improve security provision and make it more effective in meeting people’s needs.
Approach to security that focuses on the perspectives and needs of the population, particularly in terms of political dialogue and the responsiveness of security institutions (link to reports on security perceptions)
- human security,
- civilian protection,
- dialogue between all parties to a conflict,
- tackling of corruption,
- improving access to aid.
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DRC
In response to UN Security Council Resolution 2717 on the gradual withdrawal of MONUSCO, the Just Future Alliance organised advocacy activities in Kinshasa to promote a responsible transition and prevent renewed violence. Drawing on research by SIPRI, ASSN, RRSSJ and WIPC, partners engaged key stakeholders on community perceptions and priorities for a conflict-sensitive disengagement plan. At the national level, partner CEHAJ 1325 advanced police reform by drafting a provincial decree to ensure sustainable funding for Community Local Security Plans (CLSPs), which was formally presented to the Governor of Kinshasa.
Mali
Strengthened citizen monitoring of security governance and improved dialogue with municipal and regional security advisory committees (CCS) through Community Observatories . With partner support, several CCS now function reliably with regular monthly sessions, and JF contributed to the national Guide on their operation developed by the Commissariat for Security Sector Reform. In Mali, partners worked closely with community-based organisations to ensure women and youth were included in the inter-Malian dialogue on Peace and Reconciliation. Collective advocacy, including roundtables and multi-stakeholder meetings, has pushed authorities to consider the security priorities of excluded groups and to guarantee their meaningful participation in decision-making bodies.
Niger
Strengthened local conflict management through evidence-based advocacy. OGS produced reports and analysis notes that fostered collaboration between authorities and civil society, while local authorities committed to contributing to security monitoring. Updated HSGO data and Citizens’ Coalition reports helped raise awareness on human rights and security challenges, though permanent consultation frameworks and full recognition of civil society’s role remain limited.
South Sudan
Strengthened Police Community Relations Committees (PCRCs) as effective platforms for dialogue between communities and security actors, improving trust and collaborative problem-solving. Community Watch Groups emerged as an innovative tool to support local intelligence and outreach. Women Peace Networks and Youth Peace Networks moved from ad-hoc activities to structured advocacy, holding regular meetings and conducting awareness campaigns. National-level responsiveness improved, with the Ministry of Gender supporting rape survivors, though civil society recommendations on the National Security Amendment Bill were not adopted, highlighting limits in influencing national policy.
Access to Justice for All
When people are able to claim and enforce their rights, obtain remedies for grievances, and resolve conflicts non-violently, within a framework of rule of law, they have access to justice. Justice seekers should be able to quickly and affordably resolve their problems using the pathways to justice they view as most relevant and legitimate. Irrespective of which pathways they use, their justice journeys should occur within a framework of rule of law, transparency, and accountability, with respect for procedural rights like due process, and delivering outcomes that reflect real and tangible justice.
Agenda 2030, and especially SDG16.3, is the basis for Just Future’s strategy on access to justice. A focus on everyday justice entails a bottom-up approach in country-level change pathways. This includes building on and strengthening existing capacities of primary stakeholders at country-level.
The intended result of Just Future is to mobilize and equip CSOs, CBOs, social movements, and informal activist groups to take action that (1) empowers the most excluded constituencies to realize their rights and manage disputes non-violently through diverse pathways to justice, and (2) strengthens the accessibility (including affordability), responsiveness and accountability of justice providers.
In 2024, the JFA was working to promote access to justice for all through advocacy, research, and implementation of policies and practices that promote accountability, the rule of law, and inclusive and peaceful societies.
The three outcomes: customary and informal justice (CIJ), land justice, and transitional justice
The JF partners continue to work on three justice outcomes: customary and informal justice (CIJ), land justice, and transitional justice. The JF partners are advocating for a global policy shift and innovation on customary and informal justice, and conducting research to better understand the relationship of customary and informal justice to transitional justice. The JFA is also working to address atrocity crimes and past (and present) human rights abuses, and they are advocating for the creation of transitional justice mechanisms that are gender-sensitive and inclusive.
Afghanistan
The JFA empowered over 3,000 citizens to engage local authorities on governance, justice, and human rights. The Access to Justice Network monitored more than 230 cases, resolving disputes through informal justice mechanisms in line with human rights standards. Despite restrictions, women’s perspectives were included through virtual consultations and community-led initiatives, while youth networks advanced conflict resolution and advocacy. These efforts reinforced civic space, amplified marginalised voices, and strengthened social cohesion in a challenging security context.
Burundi
The JFA supported local advocacy that secured the release of arbitrarily detained people, improved civil registry practices, and provided legal aid in over 500 cases. Councils of notables, including 1,462 women, were strengthened to resolve land disputes, while 35 women reclaimed land rights through programme support. Capacity building for justice officials and dialogue with the Minister of Justice improved accountability. Nationally, advocacy contributed to the liberation of blogger Floriane Irangabiye, highlighting broader concerns over freedom of speech in Burundi.
DRC
The JFA amplified victims’ voices during the Universal Periodic Review by uniting 120 Congolese CSOs to draft a joint alternative report. Partners supported the creation of victim associations with legal status, enabling them to claim rights under the new reparations fund (FONAREV). In South Kivu, advocacy led to a draft provincial edict on the preservation of massacre sites, while national-level efforts advanced transitional justice through workshops, policy briefs, and collaboration with the Ministry of Human Rights. Just Future also influenced the national decree on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), ensuring victims’ recommendations were integrated before its adoption.
Mali
Strengthened access to justice by supporting paralegals with a practical guide for Local Judicial Guidance Clubs and building the capacity of village land commissions to resolve disputes. Advocacy influenced the new Criminal Code to include provisions against descent-based slavery and gender-based violence, and enabled civil status certificates for children in conflict-affected areas. At the regional level, partner RENEDEPP showcased research on customary and informal justice at KPAC24 in Dakar, leading to its integration into the West Africa CIJ Working Group.
Niger
The JFA influenced justice sector financing, with the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights’ budget doubling in 2024 and increasing by 18% in 2025. Partners supported the revision of the Penal Code and Code of Criminal Procedure, securing 14 new articles against slavery practices and promoting broad awareness of the reforms. A study on Legal and Judicial Assistance Offices (BAJJ) led to the Minister of Justice committing to make ANAJJ branches functional across magistrates’ courts in project areas, improving access to legal aid.
South Sudan
JF partners improved coordination on land and gender issues. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) on land were adopted, women joined local land committees, and courts began recognizing women’s land rights. WIPC supported the appointment of women judges, and Gender Desks at police stations strengthened GBV reporting. National legislation on GBV and family law remains pending.
Inclusive Political Decision-Making and Peace Processes
Without frameworks to enable people to participate in political decision-making and peace processes, there cannot be inclusive and sustainable peace. For Just Future, the main priority is to create access, to facilitate meaningful participation and to ensure that the most excluded constituencies can actually influence and shape political decision-making and peace processes to make them responsive to their needs, concerns and priorities.
Just Future will aim to ensure that patriarchal and gerontocratic structures do not limit challenges to (in)formal, harmful structures. It is vital to work with power-holders to help them understand the value of collaborating with those most excluded constituencies: most often women, young people and those who have been displaced from their communities.
To ensure the change is inclusive, all groups need to be involved in finding the right stakeholders to create the right change in society. Finding the right duty bearers and decision makers is in the often patriarchal societies Just Future works in more challenging for certain group, such as women’s rights organizations and youth-led groups. Facilitating access, creating support, strengthening capacities are all necessary to increase civic space, to maintain and promote human rights and to ensure meaningful and inclusive participation.
In this context, the Youth Advocacy Network (YAN), as an integral part of the Just Future Alliance was formed to promote youth-inclusive political and peace processed within international governing bodies.Â
The JF Alliance has been advocating for policy agendas on Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) and Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS) at the international, regional and local level. JF partners aimed their advocacy efforts at a number of key international processes and frameworks that directly affect the six JF countries.
Afghanistan
Despite
restrictions, it has been possible to bring in the voices of women in dialogues with authorities in Afghanistan
Burundi
JF partners influenced laws and policies to improve women’s and children’s rights, including 11 articles of the Code of Persons and Family, and provisions in the electoral and municipal codes promoting gender equality and anti-GBV measures. Advocacy platforms prepared women, youth, and excluded groups to stand as candidates in 2025 local elections. Studies assessed youth and women’s participation, while strategic advocacy with the EU, Member States, and UN actors reinforced civic and political space ahead of elections.
DRC
JF partners supported advocacy for under-represented groups in the new government, contributing to the appointment of the first female Prime Minister. They assisted in assessing the 2nd Generation NAP 1325 and developing the 3rd generation plan (2024–2028) in collaboration with UN Women, FBA, and MONUSCO. For youth participation, JF facilitated the operationalisation of NAP 2250, developed a roadmap for government adoption in 2025, organised regional youth forums, and built capacity for local Youth, Peace, and Security structures, including establishing a technical committee for the South Kivu Provincial Operational Plan.
Mali
JF partners advocated for the inclusion of women, youth, and IDPs in the Regional Reconciliation Support Team (ERAR) and CCR branches, ensuring marginalized groups’ priorities are heard. Efforts focused on increasing participation in organizing upcoming local and regional elections, particularly in Timbuktu, Gao, and Mopti.
Niger
JF strengthened Communal Peace Committees (CCC) and Consultation Frameworks (CCP), increasing women and youth representation from 19% to 38%. Communities are increasingly using these channels to resolve conflicts peacefully. A network of youth and journalists was set up to combat disinformation, and guidelines were developed to integrate young people into peace-related decision-making under NAP 2250.
South Sudan
Progress toward the 35% affirmative action goal continues, with female electoral officers and three female Director Generals. Women and youth increasingly lead community mediation and peace initiatives. Advocacy for IDPs and PWDs made some gains, including a new PWD umbrella association, though structural barriers remain. AU FemWise-Africa launched its fourth chapter, and WIPC mobilised women and youth to push for inclusivity in the R-ARCSS extension.