Goal 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions
Goal number 16 of the Sustainable Development Goals is dedicated to promoting peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, and also aims to provide universal access to justice, and to build accountable and effective institutions at all levels.
Facts and figures
- Among the institutions most affected by corruption are the judiciary and the police
- Corruption, bribery, theft and tax evasion cost developing countries an estimated $1.26 trillion annually; this amount of money could be used to lift those living on less than $1.25 a day above that threshold for at least six years
- The proportion of children leaving primary school in conflict-affected countries reached 50% in 2011, comprising 28.5 million children; this demonstrates the impact that unstable societies have on one of the main objectives included in the 2015 agenda: education
- The rule of law and development are characterized by a significant interrelationship and are mutually reinforcing, making this coexistence necessary for sustainable development at national and international levels.
Achievements
16.1 Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere
16.2 End the abuse, exploitation, trafficking of children and all forms of violence and torture against them
16.3 Promote the rule of law domestically and internationally and ensure equal access to justice for all
16.4 By 2030, significantly reduce illicit financing and arms trafficking, enhance the recovery and return of stolen assets, and combat all forms of organized crime
16.5 Significantly reduce corruption and abuse of power in all their forms
16.6 Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels
16.7 Ensure responsible, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels
16.8 Expand and strengthen the participation of developing countries in institutions of global governance
16.9 By 2030, provide legal identity for all, including birth registration
16.10 Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements
16.a Strengthen key national institutions, including through international cooperation, to build capacities at all levels, particularly in developing countries, to prevent violence and to combat terrorism and crime
16.b Promote and enforce non-discriminatory laws and sustainable development policies
