Peace, Development, and Human Rights
There can be no sustainable development without peace, and no peace without sustainable development.
It is estimated that a record 274 million people in 2022 will need humanitarian assistance. Conflict, climate-fueled disasters, weak governance, and limited access to justice remain a great threat to sustainable development.
In December’s Goal of the Month editorial, we focus on Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.
Why is it important?
A peaceful and inclusive society is the foundation of sustainable development. There is no long-lasting peace and development without respect for human rights. All of us need to work together to reduce violence, deliver justice, combat corruption, and ensure inclusive participation at all levels.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Global Humanitarian Overview 2022
- World Migration Report 2022
- International Day of Persons with Disabilities | 3 December 2021
- Human Rights Day | 10 December 2021
- International Migrants Day | 18 December 2021
A record 274 million people will need humanitarian assistance next year, according to the 2022 Global Humanitarian Overview launched by the UN Office of Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
Climate change, conflict, political instability, and the pandemic remain the main drivers of humanitarian crises as aid organizations seek access to people in need and international funding to pay for the life-saving interventions.
While the humanitarian system continues to strengthen preparedness and response, such efforts must be complemented with increased investment in prevention, adaptation, and risk-informed sustainable development to address the root cause.
Find out more here.
Every year on 10 December, the world celebrates Human Rights Day, the very day when, in 1948, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
This year’s Human Rights Day theme relates to “Equality” and article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights – “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights”.
Equality, inclusion, and non-discrimination, in other words, a human rights-based approach to development, is the best way to reduce inequalities and resume our path towards realizing the 2030 Agenda.
“We need everyone, including persons with disabilities, on board to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.”
– UN Secretary-General António Guterres
More than one billion people, or approximately 15 per cent of the world’s population, live with some form of disability. COVID-19 has laid bare the persistent barriers and inequalities faced by persons with disabilities who are among the hardest hit by the pandemic.
The theme for International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) this year is “Leadership and participation of persons with disabilities toward an inclusive, accessible and sustainable post-COVID-19 world.”
Check out a list of events held worldwide to commemorate this year’s IDPD.
Eddie Ndopu, an award-winning disability activist from South Africa, and one of 17 United Nations advocates for the Sustainable Development Goals, lives with spinal muscular atrophy, and faces many difficult daily challenges.
This International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Mr. Ndopu discusses how he has overcome barriers to travel the world advocating for others with disabilities.
Read the full story here.
People on the move hope for a brighter future. Migrants play a vital role in the global economy. They contribute their knowledge, networks, and skills to build stronger, more resilient communities.
The past two years have witnessed a dramatic increase in internal displacement due to disasters, conflict and violence, according to the World Migration Report 2022 released by the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
Visit the dedicated website for more information on this year’s #MigrantsDay.
What: Ninth session of the Conference of the States Parties to the United Nations Convention against Corruption
When: 13-17 December 2021
Where: Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt
The Conference of the States Parties (COSP) is the main policymaking body of the United Nations Convention against Corruption. The Conference meets every two years and adopts resolutions and decisions in furtherance of its mandate.
Find out more about this year’s event here.
24 November 2021 marked the fifth anniversary of the peace deal signed between the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) which put the country’s 50-year conflict to an end.
In the Colombian village of Llano Grande, ex-combatants, locals, soldiers, and police are now working together to secure a better future. This would have been unthinkable just five years ago.
Read more from this feature story by UN News.