05 Feb 2020

The role of NHRIs highlighted at the Global Technical Workshop on Monitoring SDG 16+

In February, Meri Kochlamazashvili from the National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) of Georgia (Office of the Public Defender of Georgia) took part, on behalf of ENNHRI, in the Global Technical Workshop: Ways Forward on Monitoring SDG 16+. The event, hosted by the Global Alliance Reporting and Progress on Peace, Justice and Inclusion and the Danish NHRI (Danish Institute for Human Rights), brought together experts from all regions to address the critical challenges of monitoring SDG 16+ and explore current monitoring projects and good practices. 

As underlined at the event, SDG 16 on Peace, Justice and Inclusive Institutions breaks new ground in approaches to sustainable and inclusive development and can support the realisation of human rights. However, many countries are still far from achieving SDG 16 and have not made significant steps to fulfil the pledge to leave no one behind. 

Moreover, although there are existing and emerging data sources to monitor SDG 16, there is still a lack of coordination of multiple approaches and initiatives as well as a missed opportunity to use data and information produced for other reporting processes, including for human rights mechanisms. 

As presented at the workshop, NHRIs’ multifaceted functions prove to be very useful in this context. Through their broad human rights mandate, NHRIs can play a key role in monitoring and supporting a human rights-based approach to the SDGs. Additionally, NHRIs can call governments to account for their human rights obligations and commitments under the SDGs and provide legal advice to authorities, acting as bridges between government and civil society organisations. 

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