Sustainable Development Goal 16

PROMOTE PEACEFUL AND INCLUSIVE SOCIETIES FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT, PROVIDE ACCESS TO JUSTICE FOR ALL AND BUILD EFFECTIVE, ACCOUNTABLE AND INCLUSIVE INSTITUTIONS AT ALL LEVELS.

Worldwide, the number of people forced to flee their homes because of wars is steadily increasing. Not since World War II have so many people fled as now – 70 million people fled in 2018. Warlike conflicts and domestic and criminal violence directly threaten the lives of millions of people. These circumstances worsen long-term living conditions, reduce crop yields and resources, and diminish opportunities for education, health care, and participation.
As a result, too many people are dependent on weak institutions and are without access to justice and other basic freedoms. There are around 35 states worldwide where power has been taken over by armed groups. Arbitrariness, inequality and corruption prevail, causing a breakdown of state order and administration, but also of services of general interest. To be protected by a law, there must be registration at birth. Worldwide, one in four children is not registered and thus cannot invoke any law. Peace, physical integrity and protection by a stable legal system are indispensable prerequisites for sustainable development and prosperity.

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What are the sub-goals?

Significantly reduce all forms of violence and violence-related mortality everywhere.
End the abuse and exploitation of children, child trafficking, torture and all forms of violence against children.
Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
By 2030, significantly reduce illicit financial and arms flows, strengthen recovery and restitution of stolen assets, and combat all forms of organized crime.
Significantly reduce corruption and bribery in all its forms.
Build effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.
Ensure that decision-making at all levels is needs-based, inclusive, participatory, and representative.
Expand and strengthen the participation of developing countries in global governance institutions.
By 2030, ensure that all people have a legal identity, in particular through birth registration.
Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements.

How is the goal to be achieved?

SDG 16 is to be achieved through international cooperation. The main aim here is to support competent national institutions in building capacity to prevent violence and combat terrorism and crime. Particular attention is to be paid to developing countries. It also aims to promote and enforce non-discriminatory legislation and policies in favor of sustainable development.

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More info on SDG 16 | Lecture Series of the Virtual Academy Sustainability