SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

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Mini Case Scenarios

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Did you know that one-third of the world’s population, largely women, fear walking alone at night?1 Queen’s University, along with campuses across the country, has taken measures to try to help ensure women feel a little safer getting home after the sun sets. One implementation are blue security light-posts built around campus. There are 149 blue lights across the campus all of which have a red button that when pressed, will call security over to that specific post location. If someone feels they are in danger they can continue walking through campus, while pressing all the buttons they pass so security can track their direction...

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Organized crime in Canada poses a significant threat to public safety, economic stability, and the integrity of institutions. Criminal networks operating within the country engage in a range of illicit activities, including drug trafficking, money laundering, fraud, and human trafficking. According to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), organized crime groups have become increasingly sophisticated, adaptable, and transnational in their operations...

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Youth engagement and participation play a crucial role in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG 16) - "Promote Peaceful and Inclusive Societies for Sustainable Development, Provide Access to Justice for All, and Build Effective, Accountable, and Inclusive Institutions at All Levels." By empowering young people to actively participate in decision-making processes and fostering their leadership skills, SDG 16 can be effectively advanced...

Discussion Topics

  • How are justice systems impacting gender inequalities?
  • Discuss the importance of access to justice and its role in promoting peace and development.
  • Engage in a discussion about corruption and its impact on sustainable development.
  • How does peace impact our health?
  • Debate the challenges of combating corruption and the importance of strong institutions in promoting transparency and integrity.
  • Debate strategies for enhancing access to justice, including legal aid, alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, and community-based justice systems.
  • Explore topics such as legal empowerment, human rights, and the challenges faced by marginalized communities in accessing justice systems.
  • Explore topics such as the causes and consequences of corruption, the role of transparency and accountability in governance, and the effectiveness of anti-corruption measures.
  • Discuss the significance of the rule of law in ensuring peace, justice, and strong institutions. Explore topics such as the principles of rule of law, the importance of a fair and impartial judiciary, and the role of law enforcement agencies in upholding the rule of law.
  • Debate the challenges and opportunities in promoting the rule of law at the national and international levels.

Assessment Ideas

  • Position Paper: Conduct a human rights impact assessment of a specific policy, project, or institution. Analyze the potential human rights implications, evaluate its alignment with international human rights standards, and propose recommendations for improvement.
  • Research Paper: Investigate the pros and cons of their mission and program and create a report on your findings.
  • Case Study Analysis: Provide students with a case study that highlights a specific peacebuilding, justice, or governance initiative. Ask them to critically analyze the case study, evaluate its outcomes, and identify key factors contributing to its success or challenges. Present your analysis, highlighting the lessons learned and potential applications in different contexts.
  • Policy Brief: Develop a policy proposal on anti-corruption measures at the national or international level. Assess the existing legal frameworks, identify gaps, and propose strategies for promoting transparency, accountability, and integrity. Should include the policy proposal’s implementation strategies, monitoring mechanisms, and potential challenges.
  • Group Presentation: Discuss the role of peacebuilding and conflict resolution in achieving sustainable development. Explore topics such as the root causes of conflicts, the role of mediation and negotiation in resolving disputes, and the importance of reconciliation and transitional justice. Debate the challenges of peacebuilding and the role of international organizations and civil society in fostering peace.
  • Data Analysis and Recommendations: Conduct a comparative analysis of different legal systems in relation to access to justice and human rights protection. Select two or more countries or regions and compare their legal frameworks, institutions, and practices.
  • Communications Strategy: Task students with participating in a peacebuilding simulation exercise. Divide them into groups representing different stakeholders involved in a conflict scenario. Students should engage in negotiation, mediation, and conflict resolution activities to reach a peaceful resolution. They should document their process, decisions, and outcomes in a reflective report or presentation.

Additional Resources

Faculty Subject Matter Experts

You may wish to contact one of the following departments who may have subject matter experts in this area:

Political Studies ()

Experiential Learning Contact

Christina Dinsmore (pronouns: she/her)
Associate Director, Experiential Learning & Programming
asc.el@queensu.ca

  1. Walkhome. Walkhome. 2022 [cited 2023; Available from: https://www.walkhome.ca/services/requesting-a-walk/.
  2. Bansagi, N., Hope dims for off-campus blue lights. The Queen's Journal 2015.