In the second piece of our Sustainable Development Goals series, I will introduce you to Goal #16 - Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, UCL's take on establishing a just society, and some of our many community partners that work towards a just, and peaceful society. Despite UN Secretary General, António Guterres’ call for a global ceasefire to encourage a more efficient response to the pandemic, various armed, and other conflicts continue tearing families and lives apart, displacing many.
SDG #16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Conflict, insecurity, weak institutions, and limited access to justice are continued threats to sustainable development. With the number of people fleeing war, or persecution approaching 80 million in 2019, and with 1 in 4 children being born without documentation, it is clear that institutions must be strengthened, and people empowered to access their rights.
The pandemic further destabilised many communities already in despair, thereby threatening the often-fragile global peace and security. It is then crucial to incorporate the strengthening of human rights into the answer to the crisis. Promoting fundamental rights, such as the right to adequate health and wellbeing services, as well as to human dignity is vital if we are to not let this global health crisis skew inequalities.
A society, that is inclusive and peaceful can support all its members, including the most vulnerable. Governments, civil society, and communities must work together to reduce violence, deliver justice, and combat corruption to ensure inclusive participation at all times. Just on our doorstep in London, criminal activity threatening the foundation of a peaceful society exist. Homicides, human trafficking, discriminatory laws, and practices, as well as corruption and human rights violations are present everywhere.
Violence and unfair treatment towards civilians affect economic growth, population health via limited access to services, as well as well-being. In trauma affected areas, social trust is low, and inclusion limited. Unresolved problems lead to long-term grievances among communities and could end violently. It is easy to see how it is an endless spiral downwards, and why it is important to put an end to it.
Laws and policies must be applied without any form of discrimination
United Nations
UCL and Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
As a strong institution, and an advocate for democracy and social justice, UCL, through teaching, research and various external engagements is actively involved in bettering global communities. Without measurements of progress, however, it is hard to see whether we made any.
Experts from UCL Laws have not only contributed to establishing a target for #SDG16 but developed a framework to measure it. Professor Pascoe Pleasence has set out clear guidelines to enable countries without a strong justice system to develop one. His bottom-up approach starts with public engagement: above all, authorities must survey their people to see what problems people are facing, and the barriers to accessing assistance, advice, and representation.
UCL also runs its own pro-bono legal clinic for local communities in East London. The Centre for Access to Justice was established in 2016 and since, UCL law students offer valuable, real-life legal advice with the supervision of qualified lawyers. They have helped residents access their fundamental rights, such as disabled parking permits, or housing.
Disputes need to be resolved through functioning justice systems
United Nations
Support a Goal #16 charity
Among the UN’s pointers on how to help the furthering of the relevant SDG, there is always a section advising civilians to support a Goal-related charity. Even if you are not a law student, there are a myriad of ways to support your local community by volunteering your time to one of UCL Volunteering Services’ many charity partners who contribute to various targets of SDG#16.
16.2 END ABUSE, EXPLOITATION, TRAFFICKING AND ALL FORMS OF VIOLENCE AGAINST AND TORTURE OF CHILDREN
Romildamor is a Women’s Rights Organisation combatting the injustices women and girls face globally, including human trafficking, gender-based violence and child marriage. They provide support to survivors, while simultaneously raising awareness in the community to then empower grassroot change. As a Forced Labour Trafficking Research Co-ordinator, you can use your academic skills to produce a report that sheds light on the connection of human trafficking and supply chain interrogation. The report will aim to advance both public, and company understanding on how to take a stance against modern day slavery through simple decisions.
16.10 ENSURE PUBLIC ACCESS TO INFORMATION AND PROTECT FUNDAMENTAL FREEDOMS, IN ACCORDANCE WITH NATIONAL LEGISLATION AND INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS
Paiwand is working with vulnerable refugees to ensure their successful integration into society by helping them access their basic human rights to housing, legal guidance, and wellbeing services. The people they access are often barred from accessing formal support services due to barriers related to language, and discrimination. Recently, they are deeply involved in the support of refugees displaced by the armed crisis unfolding in Afghanistan in the past few months. As their Event Organiser, you can help first-hand, raising funds for the services Paiwand offers to those most in need.
16.B PROMOTE AND ENFORCE NON-DISCRIMINATORY LAWS AND POLICIES FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
The Islington Law Centre offers legal advice free of charge to ensure that everyone can access the services they are entitled to use. They cater to various legal needs from debt, education, and housing to immigration and asylum, welfare rights or public law. Their Migrants' Law Project and Migrant and Refugee Children's Legal Unit ensures that special attention is focused on those most vulnerable to discriminatory treatment in the court of law. They will have various roles available throughout 2022, and will be recruiting volunteers in paralegal, administrative, and receptionist capacities that are all vital to their functioning as a community organisation working towards a fairer society. Keep an eye out for when their volunteering opportunities go live.
You can browse other relevant roles on our opportunity finder, including our Legal and Campaigning for Change volunteering opportunities.
Those in need come in all shapes and sizes - and so do those who help
Just by dedicating a few hours a week, you can start help deconstructing structural barriers, and spread awareness of issues affecting many, globally. Especially this time of the year, when love and compassion are in focus, it is important we think of those who have been affected by conflict, trauma, or are refused their basic human rights and representation. A community at a time – starting with ours at UCL, and London – we can start building stronger and more inclusive institutions that can welcome and nurture all.
Written
Written by Zsofia Bekker, Student Administrative Assistant