This publication presents a series of case studies that examine how ombuds institutes and national human rights institutions operating in Costa Rica, Georgia, Kenya, and The Gambia contribute to strengthening security sector governance and reform and improving human security, thereby advancing progress towards Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16 on peaceful, just, and inclusive societies. 

With the available data showing minimal progress on SDG 16 since the launch of the 2030 Agenda in 2015, and against the recent deterioration of peace and security worldwide, it is more important than ever to refocus on the critical contributions made by ombuds institutes in achieving SDG 16, and to provide policy guidance aimed at leveraging this role of ombuds institutes. 

To help practitioners to operationalize their work on SDG 16 and enhance their capacity to contribute to achieving SDG 16, some lessons can be drawn from these case studies: 

• Use SDG 16 as an analytical framework to guide the strategic positioning of an ombuds institute, to identify gaps, needs, and areas for intervention, and to monitor and evaluate progress and impact.
• Strategically combine initiatives that address the human security of individuals with systemic approaches and interventions. 
• Encourage the relationship between the functions and interventions of ombuds institutes to optimize their consistency and impact. 
• Cooperate with local, national, and international stakeholders to enhance outreach and impact. 

With the available data showing minimal progress on SDG 16 since the launch of the 2030 Agenda in 2015, and against the recent deterioration of peace and security worldwide, it is more important than ever to refocus on the critical contributions made by ombuds institutes in achieving SDG 16, and to provide policy guidance aimed at leveraging this role of ombuds institutes.