Civil Society
Civil society organizations (CSOs) play a key role in promoting transparent, accountable and inclusive security sector governance. Through awareness-raising, advocacy, public oversight, research, and service provision, civil society can provide a counterbalance to government policy by providing policymakers with a wider range of perspectives, information, services and alternative ideas. In doing so, CSOs also play a crucial role in realizing SDG 16 on peace, justice and strong institutions.
For example, CSOs can provide pathways to voice the interests and security needs of women, minorities, and vulnerable groups, thereby furthering progress towards SDG target 16.7 on responsive, inclusive and representative decision-making. They may also provide independent monitoring of governments’ compliance with human rights obligations to strengthen the transparency and accountability of security provision, in turn contributing to SDG target 16.6 on effective, accountable and transparent institutions. More information on the contribution of civil society to SDG 16
We invite you to use the below database to search for good practices on how civil society can contribute to realizing SDG 16. These practices are illustrations aimed to inspire further initiatives and policies by adapting those to the needs of different contexts.
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2 Based on the regional groupings for the SDG report and database.
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DCAF’s SDG 16 project seeks to position Security Sector Governance and Reform (SSG/R) as a key policy tool for the realization of SDG 16 on peaceful, just and inclusive societies. The project focuses on three oversight actors — parliaments, civil society, and ombuds institutions — and develops SDG 16-specific guidance that supports SSG/R in the context of the 2030 Agenda.
For more information, please visit www.dcaf.ch/sdg16 or contact us via e-mail (sdg16@dcaf.ch).
The project is funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands.