Effective institutions are vital to peaceful and just societies.Also, a strong moral compass is essential to every democratic society. Yet, persecution, injustice and abuse still runs rampant and is tearing at the fabric of civilization. Conflict, insecurity, weak institutions and limited access to justice remain a great threat to sustainable development. We must ensure that we have strong institutions, global standards of justice, and a commitment to peace everywhere. And it is possible only if we can strengthen the visionary Sustainable Development Goal-16 that commits the global community to work together to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.
Why SDG-16 Matters?
•Everyone deserve a life fee from war and violence.
•Peace, Development and human rights are interlinked and mutually reinforcing.
Act Now:
•To promote the rule of law and ensure justice for all.
•To build accountable institutions to combat terrorism and crime.
•To ‘blacklist‘ all those fraud and money making devices (in the name of NGOs/philanthropic organizations/CSOs) to maintain the sanctity of justice.
•To protect freedom of speech and ensure transparency.
•To encourage inclusive decision making at all levels.
Terra Lawson-Remer, wrote in one of her articles published on the website of ‘The Brookings Institution‘ that ‘Since the end of World War II, top-down governance reform efforts that aim to improve institutions and legal systems in developing countries by rewriting laws and importing best practice models from abroad have received substantial funding from international donors, but these initiatives generally fail dismally. Institutions imposed from outside are unsustainable if not grounded in and supported by local practices and expectations. At the same time, even the best laws on the books will not translate into social inclusion, expanded rights, and better governance for citizens without local legal and political empowerment.’
She also suggested that without specific attention to political and legal inclusion, it will be impossible to realize the aspirations of the SDGs to end the tyranny of poverty and protect our planet for future generations. Goal 16 is the key to ensuring that progress and prosperity are widely shared, and that those most in need can claim and exercise their rights as global citizens. Taken together, justice, rule of law, and accountable and inclusive institutions are the linchpin of shared social progress and our ability to realize human flourishing. The success of all the SDGs rests on ensuring that we unlock the full potential of Goal 16 to catalyze social transformation.
It is to say with firm determination that we all can help to make sure that we meet the Global Goals as soon as possible. We must work collectively to achieve these twelve targets to create action to promote peace, justice and strong Institutions:
16.1 REDUCE VIOLENCE EVERYWHERE
Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
16.2 PROTECT CHILDREN FROM ABUSE, EXPLOITATION, TRAFFICKING AND VIOLENCE
End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children.
16.3 PROMOTE THE RULE OF LAW AND ENSURE EQUAL ACCESS TO JUSTICE
Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
16.4 COMBAT ORGANIZED CRIME AND ILLICIT FINANCIAL AND ARMS FLOWS
By 2030, significantly reduce illicit financial and arms flows, strengthen the recovery and return of stolen assets and combat all forms of organized crime.
16.5 SUBSTANTIALLY REDUCE CORRUPTION AND BRIBERY
Substantially reduce corruption and bribery in all their forms.
16.6 DEVELOP EFFECTIVE, ACCOUNTABLE AND TRANSPARENT INSTITUTIONS
Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.
16.7 ENSURE RESPONSIVE, INCLUSIVE AND REPRESENTATIVE DECISION-MAKING
Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels.
16.8 STRENGTHEN THE PARTICIPATION IN GLOBAL GOVERNANCE
Broaden and strengthen the participation of developing countries in the institutions of global governance.
16.9 PROVIDE UNIVERSAL LEGAL IDENTITY
By 2030, provide legal identity for all, including birth registration.
16.10 ENSURE PUBLIC ACCESS TO INFORMATION AND PROTECT FUNDAMENTAL FREEDOMS
Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements.
16.A STRENGTHEN NATIONAL INSTITUTIONS TO PREVENT VIOLENCE AND COMBAT TERRORISM AND CRIME
Strengthen relevant national institutions, including through international cooperation, for building capacity at all levels, in particular in developing countries, to prevent violence and combat terrorism and crime.
16.B PROMOTE AND ENFORCE NON-DISCRIMINATORY LAWS AND POLICIES
Promote and enforce non-discriminatory laws and policies for sustainable development.
Promoting peace and justice is one of 17 Global Goals that make up the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. An integrated approach is crucial for progress across the multiple goals. SDG 16 cannot be achieved by governments alone. Partnership and investment will be key to stepping up progress on SDG 16 and across the 2030 Agenda — to transform the world for the better.