From Iraq, Afghanistan and the Occupied Palestinian Territory to Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, UNOPS manages projects on behalf of its partners in some of the world’s most challenging environments.

UNOPS services in support of this goal involve key infrastructure projects, such as roads, schools and hospitals; security and public order projects, such as strengthening the police force and clearing mines; justice and reconciliation projects, such as property rights and disarmament; and large scale logistics projects such as election support.

Where possible UNOPS also aims to contribute to three key cross-cutting concerns through all its projects: gender equality and the empowerment of women, developing national capacity and environmental sustainability.

Examples of UNOPS-supported projects

Infrastructure

UNOPS provides support to people in post-conflict areas by constructing temporary shelters, schools, health centres, government buildings, roads and more.

For example in Afghanistan, more than 10,000 male and female students will be provided with high quality learning facilities as a result of two new high schools. In 2009 UNOPS supported the building of more than 40 schools in conflict-affected areas, the bulk of which were in Sudan, funded by USAID, and in Liberia for the Ministry of Education.

In Iraq, UNOPS rehabilitated the damaged water distribution systems of three governorates, including constructing 55 km of new pipes, providing formal training to 22 engineers and creating more than 2,600 days of labour for local workers. The successful rehabilitation of the systems has provided more than 200,000 local residents with access to clean drinking water.

Since 2003, in Afghanistan alone, UNOPS has helped the Government construct or rehabilitate over 10,000 km of roads, and has created more than 13 million labour days for impoverished groups.

Security and public order

Improving public order and security are crucial to creating the conditions for development, especially in post-conflict and post-disaster environments. UNOPS supports its partners by providing the infrastructure necessary for the rule of law, such as building and upgrading police stations, police training centres and prisons.

For example in 2009 UNOPS built or rehabilitated 11 police stations and training centres in Sudan on behalf of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Government of Southern Sudan, funded by the Multi-donor trust fund.

UNOPS also helps partners such as the Division of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) and UNDP to plan, implement, manage and monitor their Mine Action and peacekeeping programmes.

Elections

Elections are an important tool for rebuilding peace and stability in areas affected by conflict. Since 1999 UNOPS has supported elections in 15 countries and has experience in a range of election services including: procuring election goods, such as voting booths and ballot boxes; handling logistics; recruiting and administering support personnel; constructing infrastructure, such as polling stations; supporting electoral observer missions; and related development of national capacity.

For an Iraqi election in 2008, UNOPS helped train over 50,000 observers and set up a pan-Iraq communications network for projects funded by the United Nations Development Group Iraq Trust Fund.

Justice and reconciliation

UNOPS supports justice and reconciliation efforts globally, helping create the institutions and physical infrastructure needed to safeguard people's rights.

For example in Kosovo, on behalf of the European Union, the United Nations Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) and the United States, UNOPS is helping to establish an independent and professional judiciary and prosecution service to administer Kosovo’s justice system.

In Liberia, the Platform 4 Dialogue and Peace is being implemented to increase the country’s capacity to deal with conflict through dialogue and collaborative action. The project is run by the Joint Programme Unit for UN / Interpeace initiatives and implemented by UNOPS.

Generating incomes

UNOPS makes special efforts to stimulate local employment and develop the capacity of local workers when building peace. For example, on behalf of UNMAS and the Government of Canada, UNOPS is training Afghani residents to clear mines in the historical city of Ghazni.

UNOPS also emphasizes the empowerment of women in line with United Nations goals to expand women’s access to markets, goods and services. For example, in Iraq UNOPS helps administer micro-loans to over 120 female entrepreneurs, in partnership with the International Labour Organization and others, funded by the United Nations Development Group Iraq Trust Fund.