SDG 16 Toolbox

Ombuds institutions (sometimes referred to as National Human Rights Institutions) are independent oversight bodies that receive complaints and investigate matters pertaining to the protection of human rights and prevention of maladministration. Their role in contributing to peace and sustainable development has been specifically recognized under SDG 16 through the inclusion of target 16.a on strengthening national institutions to prevent violence and combat crime and terrorism, and its corresponding indicator 16.a.1 on the existence of independent national human rights institutions in compliance with the Paris Principles.

By helping to resolve grievances and by holding the security sector accountable, ombuds institutions can also contribute to SDG target 16.3 on promoting the rule of law and ensuring access to justice for all, and SDG target 16.6 on developing effective, accountable and transparent institutions. Through these functions, ombuds institutions help ensure that security actors behave in accordance with the rule of law and with respect for human rights — important conditions for preventing, managing, and resolving conflict and by extension, contributing to SDG target 16.1 on reducing armed violence. More information on the contribution of ombuds institutions to SDG 16, in particular 16.1 on reducing armed violence