In an age of globalization, governance within and among countries is becoming more diffuse and complex. Critical steps for sustainable development include promoting good governance, rule of law, human rights, fundamental freedoms, equal access to fair justice systems, as well as combatting corruption and curbing illicit financial flows. Effective and inclusive institutions are necessary to prevent all forms of abuse, exploitation, trafficking, torture, and violence.
We are determined to foster peaceful, just and inclusive societies which are free from fear and violence. There can be no sustainable development without peace and no peace without sustainable development.
Most important, enhanced global cooperation through the UN Security Council and other UN institutions is necessary to prevent the spread of wars and extreme violence as is now afflicting many countries in the Middle East, North Africa, and Western Asia. Collaborative partnerships of all kinds will be essential to build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.
Reducing violent crime, sex trafficking, forced labor, and child abuse are clear global goals. The International Community values peace and justice and calls for stronger judicial systems that will enforce laws and work toward a more peaceful and just society. By 2017, the UN could report progress on detecting victims of trafficking. More women and girls than men and boys were victimized, yet the share of women and girls has slowly declined (see also violence against women). In 2004, 84 percent of victims were females and by 2014 that number had dropped to 71 percent. Sexual exploitation numbers have declined, but forced labor has increased.
One target is to see the end to sex trafficking, forced labor, and all forms of violence against and torture of children. However, reliance on the indicator of “crimes reported” makes monitoring and achieving this goal challenging. For instance, 84 percent of countries have no or insufficient data on violent punishment of children. Of the data available, it is clear that violence against children by their caregivers remains pervasive: Nearly 8 in 10 children aged 1 to 14 are subjected to violent discipline on a regular basis (regardless of income), and no country is on track to eliminate violent discipline by 2030.
SDG 16 also targets universal legal identity and birth registration, ensuring the right to a name and nationality, civil rights, recognition before the law, and access to justice and social services. With more than a quarter of children under 5 unregistered worldwide as of 2015, about 1 in 5 countries will need to accelerate progress to achieve universal birth registration by 2030.
Peace is the first condition,
without which nothing else can be stable.
