SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

Promote Just, Peaceful and Inclusive Societies

SDG 16 aims to eliminate conflict and reduce violence by promoting peaceful and inclusive societies. Legal systems at both a national and international level need to be improved and transparent institutions need to be developed. Arms flows, corruption and crime must be combated.

SDG 16 Den Haag peace, justice and strong institutions

Policy, Initiatives and Organizations

How The Hague Contributes

The Hague is known as the 'international city of peace and justice'. More than 200 legal organizations, including the International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Court, the Permanent Court of Arbitration, the International Court of Justice and Europol, are located in The Hague. In addition, you will find almost all foreign embassies and consulates in The Hague.

However, residents of The Hague are also experiencing legal problems. That is why the municipality of The Hague has joined forces with The Hague Institute for Innovation of Law (HiiL). In the first phase of the project, the various legal problems experienced in The Hague were mapped out. It is the first time such a study has been conducted at a local level. The second phase has now started; devising innovative solutions to the problems. HiiL's report can be read here.

Initiatives in The Hague

Access to Justice for Residents of the Hague

Worldwide, an estimated 5 billion people have no or insufficient access to justice when they really need it, the so-called justice gap. In The Hague, the international city of peace and justice, residents also experience legal problems. That is why the municipality of The Hague has joined forces with the Hague Institute for Innovation of Law to map out the legal problems of the residents of The Hague. Read more about access to justice for resident of The Hague here.

Just Speak! Cartoon Exposition

Just Speak! is an initiative of The Cartoon Movement in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the municipality of The Hague. It is a community of international comic journalists and fans of political satire. At just speak! young people around the world are challenged to draw issues they consider important. From the 3th of May until the 23th of May, the Just Speak! exposition was on diplay in the Atrium of the City Hall. Read more about the Just Speak! cartoon exposition here.