SDG goal 16 focuses on promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, providing access to justice for All and buildings effective
Accountable institutions at all levels.
The goal is to significantly reduce violence, ensure equal access to justice and strengthen institutions to combat corruption and promote transparency
Objectives
Peaceful societies
This will promote peaceful co- existence
Access to justice
This is to ensure access to justice for all regardless of socio- economic status or background
Strong institutions
Building effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels
Our expectations from SDG goal 16
Conflicts, insecurity and weak institutions threatens sustainable development
Corruption, bribery and tax evasion cost developing countries
Strengthening institutions can reduce crime, promote economic growth and improve well being of the people
Exercise your rights and hold leaders accountable
Promote inclusion and respect for diversity
Support organizations working towards peace justice and strong institutions
Contribution from relevant stakeholders towards achieving SDG 16:
Government
The Government develop and implement policies and programme that promote peace, justice and strong administration, promote transparency and accountability through access to information, laws and anti- corruption Agencies
Civil society organizations (csos)
They advocate for policy reforms and promote awareness on peace , justice and human rights
They provide support services to vulnerable groups such as victims of violence and marginalized communities
Monitor and report on Government progress and hold them accountable
Private sector
They promote responsible business practices and respect human rights
Support community development initiatives and promote economic opportunities
Implement transparency and accountability measures in business operations
International organizations
They provide technical assistance and funding to support SDG 16’s implementation
Promote global norms and standards for peace justice and strong institutions
Support capacity building and knowledge sharing among countries
Academia and research Institutions
They conduct research and analysis on peace justice and institutions building
Provide expertise and advice to Government and other stakeholders
Develop innovative solutions and technologies to support SDG 16;
Media
The media promote awareness and reporting on peace, justice and human rights issues
Hold Government and institutions accountable through investigative journalism
Promote inclusive and diverse narrations to reduce a conflict and promote social cohesion
Community leaders and traditional Authority
They promote community cohesion and social norms that support peace and justice
Support conflicts resolution and mediation initiatives
Promote inclusive and participatory decision making processes
Individuals
Promote awareness and advocate for peace justice and human rights
Support organization working SDG 16 initiatives
Practice responsible citizenships and hold leaders accountable
Shareholders work together to achieve the objectives of the SDG goal 16
Strategic approach towards achieving SDG goal 16
Promote peaceful society
Creating a culture of peace involves promoting social cohesion, tolerance and non violent conflict resolutions this can be achieved through community engagement, education and awareness raising initiatives
Reduce violence
Reduce violence requires addressing toot causes of violence like poverty . inequality and lack of opportunities, strengthen strategies including community policing, conflicts mediation and supporting victims of violence
Protect children
Protecting children involves preventing violence , exploitation and abuse , this can be done through strengthening child protection system, supporting families and promoting children rights
Strengthening institutions
Strengthening institutions requires building capacity ,promoting transperency and ensuring accountability, this includes reforming justice system, enhancing public sector management and promoting citizens engagement
Combat corruption
Combating corruption involves promoting transperency accountability and integrity by strengthening anti -corruption agencies, promoting whistle blowers protection and increasing transperency in public procurement
Human rights education
Education plays a crucial role in providing human rights awareness and empowering individuals to claims their rights rights education into Schools curricula and providing awareness raising campaign
Access to justice
Ensure access to justice involves removing barriers , promoting legal aid and strengthening justice systems this includes increasing access to affordable legal services, promoting alternative disputes resolution and strengthening judicial independence
Protect vulnerable groups
Protecting vulnerable groups involves addressing discrimination, promoting inclusion and promoting policies and programmes that address the needs of women ,children person’s with disabilities and others marginalized groups
Business education and human rights
Businesses have a responsibility to respect human rights and promote sustainable development this involves promote sustainable development, by promoting responsible business practices , transperency and accountability
Education and training
Education and training are critical fir promoting awareness, skills and knowledge, this involves promoting equal education, vocational
training and life long opportunities
Health and wellbeing
Promoting health and wellbeing involved addressing physical and mental health needs , this includes strengthening health care systems, promoting health life styles and addressing social determinants of health
Social protection
Social protection involves promoting policies and programmes that address poverty ,inequality and vulnerability , this includes promoting social safety nets , labor markets policies and social insurance schemes
Youth employment
Promoting youth employment involves addressing skill gaps , promoting entrepreneurship and creating jobs opportunities this includes promoting vocational training , apprenticeship and entrepreneurship support programmes
Campaign for justice
Campaign for justice involves promoting awareness, mobilizing actions and alleviating for policy change this includes promoting access to justice, addressing system initiatives and promoting human rights
Institutional transperency
Promoting institutional transparency involves increasing openness, accountability And participation .by promoting access to information, strengthening oversights mechanism and promoting citizens engagement
Conflict prevention
Preventing conflicts involves addressing the root causes ,promoting dialogue and strengthening Institutions, this includes addressing grievances and promoting inclusive governance
Human protection
Protecting humans involves promoting safety dignity and wellbeing by promoting human rights and addressing violence with protection services
Strengthening institutions
Strengthening institutions involves building capacity , promoting transparency and ensuring accountability by reforming the justice system, enhancing public sector management and promoting citizens engagement
In conclusion, we need the cooperation, collaboration and resource mobilization from relevant stakeholders towards achieving the SDG goal 16 before 2030
Togetherness we shall achieve the targets
– Benjamin Ibrahim writes from Lokoja, Kogi state.
+2348069596250
