Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels

Globally, about 457,000 people were victims of homicide in 2021— the highest number of victims in the last 20 years. The noticeable spike in killings in 2021 can be partly attributed to the economic repercussions of COVID-related restrictions, as well as an escalation of gang-related and socio-political violence in several countries. In addition, in 2022, the United Nations recorded 16,988 killings of civilians in armed conflicts.

This goal implies, among others, monitoring:

• the increase in deaths by heavy weapons and explosive munitions;
• the proportion of the population reporting feeling safe or very safe walking alone around the area in which they live after dark;
• the number of children aged 1-14 years who were subjected to some form of psychological aggression and/or physical punishment at home;
• the number of trafficking victims;
• the sexual violence in childhood;
• the global prison population;
• illicit firearms;
• bribe payments by public officials;
• budget deviations and budget credibility;
• correct representation in parliament;
• children's legal identity.

In addition to these criteria, this goal focuses on decision-making with particular reference to participation of vulnerable groups, such as women, developing countries, including African countries, least developed countries, land-locked developing countries, small-island developing States and middle-income countries.

Overall, Goal 16 is devoted to the promotion of peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, the provision of access to justice for all and to the establishment of effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.

Sources: https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal16 https://sdgs.un.org/topics/information-integrated-decision-making-and-participation https://sdgs.un.org/topics/institutional-frameworks-and-international-cooperation-sustainable-development