Sustainable Development Goals SDGs Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

SDGs Goal 16 is “Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions,” with its mission statement being “Promote just, peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels” by 2030.

This goal has 10 targets and 14 indicators measuring the world’s success in this aspect. For example, the targets include:

Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere,
End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children and
Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.

Everyone deserves to be free of fear from all forms of violence and feel safe as they live everyday. Promoting inclusion and respect towards people of different ethnic origins, religions, gender, sexual orientations or different opinions is essential to reach this goal.

According to the United Nations, about 100 civilians are killed in armed conflicts everyday despite protections under international law. The number of civilian casualties recorded during the war in Ukraine in 2022 is approximately 2,000, including children. (As of April 2022)

Despite its reputation as a safe country, Japan nonetheless struggles with violence, particularly domestic and sexual forms of it. Domestic violence reports saw a 20 to 30% increase during the nation’s State of Emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Home became unsafe for many, especially women and children.

COVID-19 and the new threats of domestic violence in Japan

School and government shutdowns made domestic abuse worse during the State of Emergency, and other stay at home orders worldwide, because there were fewer places that provide support for women. This article dives into the “shadow pandemic” issue and the government initiatives against it.
COVID-19 and the new threats of domestic violence in Japan

Peace education: How Japanese schools foster anti-war values

We all need to truly value peace and understand the realities of war, so history doesn’t repeat itself. Anti-war sentiment is largely consistent in Japanese culture, especially in education. This article introduces some approaches that have been taken for peace education in Japan.
Peace education: How Japanese schools foster anti-war values

Worth watching: 5 Japanese anime films about war and peace

Japan offers many remarkable anime movies about war and peace. This article includes suggestions from a Miyazaki film to lesser-known but notable ones you should add to your list of anime to watch.
Worth watching: 5 Japanese anime films about war and peace

Reflecting on World War II: 3 Japanese films’ distinct perspectives

The article introduces live-action movies that focus on battles and the military side as well as tragic and terrifying effects of World War II on ordinary people. These films give distinct perspectives of Japanese on the war since some are based on actual events and experiences.
Reflecting on World War II: 3 Japanese films’ distinct perspectives

War and peace: Keep stories about Tokyo Raids alive for next generations

The Tokyo Raids’ survivors have done their best to keep the storytelling going for the last 76 years. However, there are only 10% of Japan’s population who can share their personal experiences left today. This report looks at how a museum, The Center of the Tokyo Raids and War Damage, is figuring out ways to keep the stories alive.
War and peace: Keep stories about Tokyo Raids alive for next generations

How impactful is Japan’s Hate Speech Act of 2016?

Japan needs to tackle discrimination that has been directed towards Zainichi Koreans, who are ethnic Koreans born and raised in Japan. The Hate Speech Act in 2016 defines hate speech and takes a stance against it, but some argue that hate speech cannot truly be stopped without stronger measures.
How impactful is Japan’s Hate Speech Act of 2016?

5 stirring and heartrending Japanese films about human rights

Here are five Japanese films that cover human rights issues. Some issues can be considered uniquely Japanese, but others can be seen in any country, including issues such as poverty and discrimination. The list features award-winning films such as Kore-eda’s “Shoplifters.”
5 stirring and heartrending Japanese films about human rights