Doha Declaration Global Programme and the Sustainable Development Goals

 

The Doha Declaration Global Programme is intrinsically linked to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the subsequent 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which were adopted in 2015. While SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – is central to the Global Programme’s activities, our objective of upholding the rule of law means that several other Goals are also promoted across our four thematic areas.

 

The Judicial Integrity component contributes to SDG 16 by promoting equal access to justice for all, reducing corruption and developing effective and transparent institutions. The component’s focus on gender-related judicial integrity issues has been a key driver of gender mainstreaming in judiciaries and in their achievement of SDG 5 (Gender Equality). Events organized on the ethical use of Artificial Intelligence in judiciaries also contribute to the achievement of SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure). The component also supports the realization of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), as the Global Judicial Integrity Network is the first multi-stakeholder network created to promote judicial integrity.

 

Our work on Prisoner Rehabilitation meanwhile contributes to SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 16 and 17. Prison, as part of the more extensive criminal justice system, can contribute to creating a peaceful and inclusive society by upholding the rule of law through ensuring appropriate and right-based treatment of prisoners and offering them opportunities for rehabilitation. Key elements for prison reform are also highlighted in several SDGs, such as the need to provide basic healthcare (SDG3 - Good Health and Well-Being) and sanitation (SDG 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation), and the needs of specific groups of prisoners including women and girls (SDG 5). As a result of prison-based rehabilitation programmes supported by the Global Programme, prisoners have a better chance of finding decent work post-release, contribute to society and face less risk of reoffending which addresses SDG 10 (Reduce Inequalities).

 

The Youth Crime Prevention through Sports component contributes to the achievement of SDGs 3, 4, 11 and 16 by providing Member States with an innovative tool under the Line Up Live Up initiative to help reduce crime and promote the use of sport as a tool to create safer and more inclusive areas. The component also contributes to SDG 5 through enhancing girls’ empowerment and challenging negative stereotypes and attitudes that justify gender-based violence and SDG 10 by directly engaging vulnerable youth in marginalized communities.

 

Finally, our efforts under the Education for Justice (E4J) initiative contribute to SDG 4 by supporting primary, secondary and tertiary level educators through a variety of educational resources and activities that contributes to the achievement of SDG 16. In doing so, multi-stakeholder partnerships (SDG 17) forged under the initiative with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and various higher education institutions such as the International Association of Universities enables E4J to strengthen knowledge on life values, as well as crime, justice, and the rule of law. E4J also contributes to SDG 10 by directly engaging vulnerable groups such as indigenous populations.