© IDLO/G. Fanizza
Civil society’s call-to-action for safeguarding commitments to peaceful, just, and inclusive societies “The SDGs are voluntary, but SDG 16 is not optional, as many of its dimensions are already included in national constitutions and international instruments ratified by countries.” John Romano, Coordinator, Transparency, Accountability and Participation Network Emerging and worsening crises pose alarming risks to the attainment of SDG 16+. Progress on SDG 16+ is falling behind even in countries that have traditionally been champions in upholding the role of civil society. Civil society organizations continuously engage with stakeholders, driving accountability at the local level and demonstrating their commitment to strengthening individual and collective efforts to implement SDG 16 and the 2030 Agenda as a whole. However, more
meaningful engagement and partnership with civil society is earnestly needed. The 2022 Rome Declaration: “SDG 16+ in Peril: An urgent call-to-action for safeguarding commitments to Peaceful, Just and Inclusive Societies”, is a call by civil society organizations for amplified actions to safeguard commitments and promote accountability for SDG 16+ in 2022 and beyond. Crucial areas of action include: • Protection of civil society, expansion of civic space, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and interlinkages between SDG 16+ with Our Common Agenda. • Provision of capacity support to propel greater action on implementing SDG 16+ via local support to advance peace, justice and inclusion.
SDG 16 Conference Report
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