SDG #16 - Leave no-one behind

A society that is torn by conflict, insecurity, and mistrust cannot function and nurture its people as it should. In 2019, the number of people fleeing war approached 80 million, and the evil circle of violence, displacement, and the resulting trauma and mistrust returning to violence again will take enormous collective willpower to break. One in four children are born without documentation, which denies them any legal representation and protection throughout their life. Basic Human Rights violations still happen everywhere, and this includes counties in crises, as well as our own doorstep. We must use our position and recognised privilege to give a voice to those who would otherwise not be listened to.

December’s SDG#16 is all about the G, that is, Governance in ESG.

Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions are key for a world where all are treated equally. Building from the bottom up, small, and medium sized enterprises can start with treating their own employees in a fair manner. Fair wages, sufficient amounts of leave, and a healthy work life balance are just the start. Putting fundamental human rights at the centre of all we do as an enterprise is proper ESG practice. The right to healthcare, one’s dignity, and fair treatment are crucial in a workplace setting and must be respected.

Unfortunately, we needn’t go far to see such rights violated and people mistreated. Under the cover of prosperous Western societies, many are still denied basic legal assistance, rights to housing, monetary aid, or healthcare often based on discriminatory, illegal practices. The Action Platform for Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions was created to spark conversation between the UN, national governments, civil society, and businesses, to improve business accountability, inclusivity, and integrity, in an effort to create a more just and transparent society. It believes that while ultimately, strong institutions fall under the jurisdiction of the government, good conduct from businesses can be a driver of change and enabler of stronger public institutions. The resulting Business Framework outlines how businesses can work towards each of the subgoals of SDG#16.

What are the first steps SMEs can take towards Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions?

1. Champion Diversity

Make sure you have guidelines and policies in place that incorporate your values and that you take actions reflecting these values. Draft an Equal Opportunities Policy and stick to it during recruitment, and throughout promotions, and internal operations. Such a policy acts as a formal manifesto of your commitment to fair business conduct. It will pledge to treat everyone equally, during recruitment and employment, regardless of their ethnicity, sex, gender, religion, or age. It shows that you are aware of the human rights and organisational issues associated with harassment, victimisation, and discrimination, and are taking steps to eliminate such risks.

Formal policies will halt perpetrators and make victims aware of their rights and available resources for support. Beyond increasing morale and making your company a safer place for the socially vulnerable, such policies will help you eliminate discrimination and unjust treatment internally. As a strong, aligned company, you can turn to external communities and support them in their struggles towards Pace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.

2. Do No Harm

While this might seem obvious, as a business, you have a responsibility to do no harm to any persons via your operations. This should be considered throughout the whole lifecycle of your product, or service, including your supply chain, and your sources for materials. Due diligence checks and legal contracts can help uncover the potentially harmful behaviours of your suppliers, included, but not limited to forced, or child labour within your value chain. Put a foot down and broadcast a zero-tolerance approach against abuse, exploitation, and any other forms of violence against vulnerable populations within businesses in your value chain.

Draft a whistleblowing policy to ensure that your employees feel safe to confide in you in case they have any worries of wrongdoing. Such a policy will foster an open and honest culture, where people are not afraid to come forward in the public interest without fear of retorsion. A whistleblowing policy will, among other things, cover the reporting of fraud, damage to the environment, or miscarriage of justice. This will make your company a place where everyone works in the general public’s best interest, and where shared values are respected and no one outside the company is disadvantaged by your way of business. To take this a step further, become an advocate for ethical business conduct.

3. Offer A Hand

On the UN page for information on SDGs, under guidance on how one can help, you will always find a suggestion to ‘support a relevant Goal charity’. Businesses are in a position to go the extra mile and build a network of action themselves. Once you have addressed any discrimination and corruption within your own walls, it is time to turn your focus outwards. Whether this be in the country you are based in, supporting vulnerable populations, such as children without protection, or refugees; or in a country that you source from and that is affected by humanitarian crises and conflict, you have the power – and the responsibility – to organise and help.

When looking at your supply chain, make sure that both sides benefit from the contract. Always have human rights at the forefront of your operations, and make sure not to engage with and support governments committing crimes against humanity. Participate in peace and institution building via technical innovation and investments at your local sites. Encourage civil society to speak up for those who haven’t a voice and inspire partnerships between various societal actors to combat the problem.

As we come out of the festive season, when most of us are surrounded by family, compassion and kindness, think of those whose life has been shaken by conflict. Those, who are left out of formal support systems, and those whose reality is constant insecurity. While businesses can support all SDGs, and all SDGs relate in one way, or another, Goal#16 seems to be an especially prominent one for corporate leadership.

Your action is not a supplement to, but a complimentary extension of governmental and civil society efforts to create Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions globally. Leading by example, starting from the bottom up, strengthening good practice within your organisation, you can become a champion of inclusivity, and diversity, fighting for those who cannot fight for themselves.

For further resources on how your business can better support SDG#16, read our blog on The ‘G’ in ESG, use our guide to Auditing Your Supply Chain or find out more on the full list of UN Sustainable Goals.