72 Percent Rise In Conflict-Related Deaths Affects SDG Progress: UN

The UN Global Progress Report on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16, unveiled on July 17, reveals disconcerting trends that threaten the future of all SDGs. The report, titled "Global Progress Report on SDG 16 Indicators: At the Crossroads: Breakdown or Breakthrough for Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions," was launched at the UN Headquarters and jointly produced by UNDP, UNODC, OHCHR, and six other organisations. 

The report shows a troubling 72 percent increase in conflict-related civilian deaths, with 33,400 lives lost in 2023 compared to 2022. The surge in violent crime and organised crime further threatens peace and development, undermining efforts to protect human rights and create secure communities. Widespread discrimination, pervasive corruption, and inadequate governance continue to impede access to justice and equitable living conditions. "SDG 16 is a crucial enabler of all SDGs," stated UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed. "This new report shows that we need to urgently scale up action on the SDGs to build peaceful, just and inclusive societies, leaving no one behind." 

The report highlights that only 17 percent of SDG targets are on track, with over one-third either stalling or regressing. It calls for urgent action from governments and stakeholders to accelerate progress on SDG 16 to avoid failing the broader SDG agenda. 

The joint UN report assesses SDG 16 indicators using regional and global data to guide governments in developing effective policies. Despite improved data availability, the report stresses the need for more investment in data collection to strengthen evidence-based research and support policy implementation. 

UNDP noted, "Many people worldwide face daily insecurity, injustice, and violence. Understanding these trends is crucial for building strong, inclusive institutions that can deliver justice and create a stable foundation where everyone can realise a future defined by peace, dignity, opportunity, and hope." 

UNODC remarked, "The latest SDG 16 report highlights the impact of crime, violence, and corruption on communities worldwide. It calls for global action to promote justice, protect vulnerable groups, and support accountable institutions." 

OHCHR's Volker Türk highlighted, "The alarming rate of attacks on journalists, human rights defenders, and trade unionists across the world underscores the importance of the right to peace." 

Key findings of the report include an unprecedented rise in conflict-related deaths, with 33,400 civilians killed in 2023, a 72 percent increase from 2022. Women and children represent a significant proportion of these casualties. The number of journalists killed worldwide doubled to 40 in 2023, while approximately 48,800 women and girls were killed by intimate partners or family members in 2022. 

Gender equality remains elusive globally, with significant disparities in women's representation in public institutions, particularly in low-income countries. Moreover, nearly 80 percent of children under 14 face violent discipline at home, and over one-third of trafficking victims are children. 

Discrimination remains widespread, with one in six people globally experiencing discrimination based on various grounds, including ethnicity and disability.