Access to justice

Access to justice, which entails the capacity for individuals to seek and obtain a remedy through formal or informal justice systems, is a cornerstone of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16, which focuses on Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. This goal, particularly target 16.3, advocates for the promotion of the rule of law at both national and international levels, emphasizing the need for equal access to justice for all individuals. This principle is not only foundational in its own right but also intersects significantly with other SDGs, highlighting the interconnected nature of these goals.

SDG 16's emphasis on access to justice is critical in ensuring fairness and legal protection for all, particularly the most vulnerable. It calls for the establishment and strengthening of institutions at all levels to deliver justice effectively, transparently, and without undue delay. This is fundamental in maintaining social order and preventing conflicts, thereby contributing to the achievement of peace and stability as outlined in SDG 16.

Moreover, access to justice is essential in enforcing rights under SDG 5, which focuses on Gender Equality. It plays a crucial role in addressing issues like gender-based violence, discrimination, and unequal power dynamics. By ensuring that women and girls have equal access to legal protection and recourse, societies can move closer to achieving gender parity and empowering all individuals regardless of their gender.

In the context of SDG 10, which aims at reducing inequalities, access to justice is vital for protecting marginalized and disadvantaged communities. These groups often face systemic barriers in accessing legal systems, which can perpetuate poverty and inequality. By ensuring that these communities have the means to seek legal redress, societies can address these structural issues and work towards more equitable outcomes.

Furthermore, access to justice is integral to upholding labor rights as outlined in SDG 8. This includes ensuring fair treatment in the workplace, protecting workers' rights, and providing avenues for redress in cases of labor violations. In a globalized world, this is especially important for migrant workers and those in precarious employment, who often lack the resources or knowledge to navigate legal systems.

Environmental protection, covered under SDGs 13 (Climate Action), 14 (Life Below Water), and 15 (Life on Land), also relies heavily on access to justice. Effective environmental laws and policies are only as strong as their enforcement mechanisms. Communities and individuals must have the ability to hold corporations and governments accountable for environmental harm. This ensures the protection of ecosystems, biodiversity, and the health of our planet, which is essential for sustainable development.

Access to justice is a fundamental component of the SDGs. It ensures that legal systems are equitable, responsive, and accessible to all, thus playing a critical role in achieving various aspects of sustainable development. Whether it's in the context of gender equality, reducing inequalities, labor rights, or environmental protection, access to justice serves as a key driver in realizing these ambitious goals. Therefore, strengthening legal frameworks, enhancing institutional capacities, and ensuring inclusivity in justice systems are imperative for the overall achievement of the SDGs.

This chapter reviews social marketing and awareness approaches to sexual assault prevention with boys and men.
This chapter provides a brief overview of the theory, research, and practice of sexual assault prevention among boys and men, with a focus on implications for prevention.
This Article supports SDGs 3, 5, and 10 by providing global, regional, and country estimates of physical and sexual violence against women by male intimate partners, calling for investments in multisectoral interventions and a strengthening of the public health response, especially in the face of post-COVID-19 reconstruction efforts, to meet SDG targets.
Scene from South-East Asia, woman walking past a building
Rosnah, born in the depths of the Borneo jungle, held a copy of her birth certificate in her hands. Aged 16, she had attended local school classes but was unable to take exams because she couldn’t prove her identity. Her life changed with a basic legal document most of us take for granted. In April 2019, LexisNexis helped bring Rosnah under the protection of the rule of law through its work with a local mobile court initiative.
Elsevier,

Encyclopedia of Violence, Peace, & Conflict (Third Edition), Volume 3, 2022, Pages 652-668

This chapter supports SDG 16 by exploring the history of UN peacekeeping.
Elsevier,

Encyclopedia of Violence, Peace, & Conflict (Third Edition), Volume 1, 2022, Pages 348-368

This chapter supports SDG 16 by exploring interdisciplinary strategies and approaches to peacebuilding.
Elsevier,

Encyclopedia of Violence, Peace, & Conflict (Third Edition), Volume 3, 2022, Pages 669-678

This chapter supports SDG 16 by exploring the challenges faced in handling the influx of migrants, asylum seekers, and refugees seeking protection, across the EU and the United States.
Elsevier,

Encyclopedia of Violence, Peace, & Conflict (Third Edition), Volume 3, 2022, Pages 443-447

This chapter supports SDG 16 by exploring the history of separatism, secession, and self-determination.
Elsevier,

Encyclopedia of Violence, Peace, & Conflict (Third Edition)
Volume 2, 2022, Pages 324-331

Across cultures, women prefer participation in nonviolent opposition to government rather than violence. Civil resistance entails intentionally nonviolent acts such as demonstrations, strikes, and nonparticipation to pressure government to respond to demands.

Elsevier,

Encyclopedia of Violence, Peace, & Conflict (Third Edition)
Volume 2, 2022, Pages 304-312

Violence against sexual minorities is a significant social problem. On a global level, its primary manifestation is in state-sanctioned violence by law enforcement officials. In some countries, extralegal violence is also widespread. The landscape of victimization has changed dramatically as sexual minorities have gained greater visibility and acceptance. This chapter provides a historical and cultural overview of legal and extralegal violence against sexual minorities around the globe.

Pages