How does the nexus between security, human rights and good governance play out in the sustainable development context? What role do Ombuds institutions (and National Human Rights Institutions) play therein, and how can their security sector oversight mandate enhance national SDG accountability regimes? The interdisciplinary research "Leaving no one behind, leaving no one unaccountable: ombuds institutions, good (security sector) governance and Sustainable Development Goal 16" offers the first comprehensive account of the role of ombuds institutions in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 16, devoted to effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions.

Many SDG 16 targets are rather vague, and limited guidance exists on how to measure and achieve them, especially in fragile contexts. This latest in our series of SSR Papers, provides guidance and recommendations to ombuds institutions and other actors on how to best support each other in achieving SDG 16.

It provides a key resource for scholars, policymakers, and activists concerned with effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions, and those interested in political science, security studies, human rights, and development studies.                                                  

Five key takeaways:                                                                                          

- Explores the complex nexus between security, human rights, and good governance in the context of sustainable development.
- Offers the first global account of the role of ombuds institutions in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, with a focus on SDG 16
- Develops an original conceptual framework by looking at implementation and accountability, where the former is captured under the title of ‘leaving no one behind’ and the latter under ‘leaving no one unaccountable’.
- Demonstrates how ombuds institutions could contribute to achieving all SDG 16 targets, but argues against its leading role in this endeavour.
- Provides guidance and recommendations to ombuds institutions and other actors on how to best support each other in achieving SDG 16.                                                                                                                                        

About the Series

The SSR Papers provide innovative and provocative analysis on the challenges of security sector governance and reform. Combining theoretical insight with detailed empiracally-driven explorations of state-of-the-art themes, SSR Papers bridge conceptual and pragmatic concerns. Authored, edited and peer reviewed by SSR experts, the series provides in-depth discussion of a governance-driven reform agenda, addressing the overlapping interests of researchers, policy-makers and practitioners in the fields of development, peace and security

All of the SSR Papers are available for reading and download on the DCAF website.