Goal 16: Promote just, peaceful and inclusive societies

Promoting inclusive and peaceful societies, ensuring that everyone has access to justice, and creating inclusive, responsible, and efficient institutions at all levels are the objectives of Goal 16. No matter their sexual orientation, religion, or ethnicity, people should be able to live their lives without fear of violence of any kind. However, the global path to peace and the accomplishment of Goal 16 are being thwarted by both new and ongoing violent conflicts worldwide. Sadly, the war in Ukraine was a major factor in the more than 50% increase in conflict-related civilian deaths that occurred in 2022, the first such increase since Agenda 2030 was adopted. Countries must take action to protect those who are most at danger because high levels of armed violence and insecurity have a detrimental effect on a nation’s development, and when there is conflict or no rule of law, sexual violence, crime, exploitation, and torture are common. To discover long-term solutions to violence and insecurity, governments, civil society, and communities must collaborate. In addition to preventing the flow of illegal weapons, fighting corruption, and guaranteeing inclusive participation at all times, strengthening the rule of law and advancing human rights are essential components of this process.

Why should I give a damn?
The development of a nation is severely hampered by high levels of violent conflict and insecurity. Where there is war or no rule of law, sexual violence, crime, exploitation, and torture are commonplace. To discover long-term solutions to violence and insecurity, governments, civil society, and communities must collaborate. In addition to preventing the flow of illegal weapons, fighting corruption, and guaranteeing inclusive participation at all times, strengthening the rule of law and advancing human rights are essential components of this process.

What relevance does this have to my home?
By encouraging societies that respect and preserve individual rights, as well as the rights to privacy, freedom of expression, and information access, Goal 16 is consistent with the larger human rights framework. A basic prerequisite for social and economic advancement is peace. Without peace, nations are frequently beset by violence, conflict, and instability, which can impede development and lead to the loss of resources and lives. Protecting individual rights, settling conflicts, and making sure that disadvantaged groups are not ignored or mistreated all depend on having equal access to justice. All nations are impacted by crimes that endanger peaceful society, such as trafficking, killings, and other organized crime, as well as laws or practices that discriminate.

What happens if we do nothing?
Insecurity and armed conflict have a detrimental effect on a nation’s development, hindering economic expansion and frequently leading to enduring tensions among communities. Children’s development, well-being, and capacity to flourish are all impacted by violence. It erodes social inclusion and generates pain. Conflicts go unresolved and people are unable to get protection and restitution when they lack access to justice. Institutions that operate outside of the bounds of law are more likely to act arbitrarily and abuse their authority, and they are also less able to provide public services to all. In addition to violating human rights, exclusion and discrimination breed hostility and resentment and may even spark violence.

How can we proceed?
Make use of your freedom of information, your right to hold elected authorities accountable, and your right to express your views to them. Encourage respect and inclusiveness for individuals with diverse sexual orientations, genders, faiths, cultural backgrounds, and viewpoints.

Goal 16 targets 

• The global path to peace and the accomplishment of Goal 16 are being thwarted by ongoing and emerging violent conflicts worldwide. Unbelievably, the war in Ukraine was a major factor in the more than 50% spike in conflict-related civilian deaths that occurred in 2022.
• 108.4 million people were forcibly displaced globally as of the end of 2022, which is 19 million more than at the end of 2021 and 2.5 times as many as ten years before. In 2021, there were more deliberate killings worldwide than there had been in the previous 20 years.
• Peaceful and inclusive societies are becoming increasingly elusive due to structural injustices, inequality, and new human rights issues. Action is required to rebuild trust, bolster institutions’ ability to ensure justice for all, and promote peaceful transitions to sustainable development in order to achieve Goal 16 by 2030.