Goal 16
SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions in Bahrain and Government Initiatives
Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG 16) aims to promote peaceful, inclusive societies, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable institutions. Bahrain has taken steps to ensure social stability, uphold the rule of law, and improve transparency and accountability in governance. By strengthening its legal and institutional frameworks, Bahrain aims to create a just and equitable society that supports sustainable development.
Key government initiatives supporting SDG 16 include:
Judicial Reforms and Access to Justice: Bahrain has undertaken reforms in the judicial system to enhance efficiency, transparency, and accessibility. The Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs, and Endowments has implemented initiatives to improve legal processes, reduce case backlogs, and provide online services for legal assistance. Specialized courts, such as family and commercial courts, ensure fair and timely resolution of disputes, promoting a more accessible justice system for all citizens and residents.
Anti-Corruption Measures and Accountability: Bahrain has established the National Audit Office and the General Directorate of Anti-Corruption to monitor government spending and prevent misuse of public funds. These institutions are responsible for auditing government agencies, enforcing anti-corruption regulations, and holding public officials accountable. Through these measures, Bahrain promotes transparency, accountability, and good governance, aligning with SDG 16.
Human Rights Protections: Bahrain has made strides in improving human rights protections and aligning with international human rights standards. The National Institution for Human Rights (NIHR) monitors, investigates, and addresses complaints related to human rights violations, ensuring that citizens’ rights are respected. Additionally, Bahrain has implemented laws to protect women, children, and vulnerable groups, enhancing social inclusivity and promoting equal rights for all.
Public Participation and Civic Engagement: The Bahraini government encourages public participation and citizen engagement through the Shura Council (Consultative Council) and the Council of Representatives. Citizens have the opportunity to participate in decision-making processes and voice their concerns through these institutions, promoting democratic values and inclusion. Public awareness campaigns also encourage citizens to take an active role in societal development and policy advocacy.
Law Enforcement and Public Safety: The Ministry of Interior in Bahrain works to ensure public safety, prevent crime, and uphold the rule of law. The police and security agencies operate under regulations that respect citizens' rights and promote peaceful, secure communities. Community policing programs engage local citizens in crime prevention, fostering a culture of mutual trust and cooperation.
Partnerships for Peace and Security: Bahrain collaborates with international organizations and neighboring countries to promote regional peace, counter violent extremism, and support conflict resolution efforts. Bahrain’s involvement in global forums allows it to participate in initiatives that align with SDG 16, sharing resources and knowledge for enhanced peace and security.
Through these initiatives, Bahrain actively supports SDG 16 by promoting justice, reducing corruption, strengthening institutions, and fostering an inclusive and peaceful society.
SDG 16 at Ahlia University: Promoting Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
Ahlia University in Bahrain contributes to SDG 16 by promoting ethical education, fostering inclusive campus values, and encouraging student engagement in governance and social responsibility. The university’s commitment to SDG 16 helps prepare students to contribute to a just, inclusive, and accountable society.
Education on Ethics, Law, and Justice: Ahlia University integrates courses on ethics, law, and justice within its academic programs, particularly in disciplines like business, law, and political science. These courses provide students with an understanding of ethical practices, the importance of transparency, and the principles of justice, preparing them to make responsible contributions to society and the workforce.
Campus Policies Promoting Inclusion and Accountability: The university promotes inclusivity and equality within its community, ensuring that all students, faculty, and staff are treated fairly. Policies against discrimination, harassment, and unfair treatment are strictly enforced, fostering a respectful and accountable campus environment that aligns with the values of SDG 16.
Student Governance and Participation: Ahlia University encourages students to actively participate in campus governance through student councils and clubs. These bodies provide students with a platform to voice their concerns, influence decision-making, and advocate for positive changes within the university. Student involvement in governance promotes democratic values, responsibility, and leadership skills.
Workshops on Peace and Conflict Resolution: The university organizes workshops, seminars, and discussions on peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and social justice. These events, often in collaboration with local and international organizations, educate students on global peace initiatives and the importance of peaceful conflict management. Such programs raise awareness about the importance of dialogue, tolerance, and respect for diversity.
Community Service and Social Responsibility Initiatives: Ahlia University encourages students to engage in community service and social responsibility programs, promoting values of compassion, equity, and justice. Through partnerships with local NGOs and community organizations, students participate in initiatives that support social causes, empowering them to contribute positively to society.
Research on Governance and Social Issues: Faculty and students at Ahlia University engage in research related to governance, social justice, and public policy. This research provides valuable insights into Bahrain’s legal and institutional challenges and contributes to knowledge on how to create stronger, more accountable institutions. By exploring these issues, the university supports SDG 16 at an academic level.
Through these efforts, Ahlia University aligns with SDG 16 by promoting a culture of peace, justice, and integrity on campus and in the broader community. By educating students on ethics, supporting inclusive policies, and encouraging active civic participation, Ahlia University helps prepare future leaders who will contribute to a fair, just, and peaceful society in Bahrain and beyond.
Ahlia University Student Council distributes administrative positions
https://www.linkedin.com/school/ahlia-university/posts/
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Bahrain Government Initiatives
Without peace, stability, human rights, and effective governance, based on the rule of law - we cannot hope for sustainable development. We are living in a world that is increasingly divided. Some regions enjoy sustained levels of peace, security, and prosperity, while others fall into seemingly endless cycles of conflict and violence. This is by no means inevitable and must be addressed.
High levels of armed violence and insecurity have a destructive impact on a country’s development, affecting economic growth and often resulting in long-standing grievances that can last for generations. Sexual violence, crime, exploitation, and torture are also prevalent where there is a conflict or no rule of law, and countries must take measures to protect those who are most at risk.
Home to only 5 percent of the world’s population, the Arab region was home to almost 47 percent of the world’s internally displaced population in 2014 and 57.5 percent of the world’s refugees. Most of those were forcibly displaced because of conflict and violence, as the Arab region has witnessed almost 18 percent of the world conflicts between 1948 and 2014, 45 percent of global terrorist attacks in 2014, and 68 percent of the world’s battle-related deaths in the same year.
The SDGs aim to significantly reduce all forms of violence, and work with governments and communities to find lasting solutions to conflict and insecurity. Strengthening the rule of law and promoting human rights is key to this process, as is reducing the flow of illicit arms and strengthening the participation of developing countries in the institutions of global governance.
Government :
At the Rio+20 Conference in 2012, countries reaffirmed the importance of including freedom, peace, security and respect for human rights in the new development framework which will form the Millennium Development Goals. They also stressed the need for societies where justice and democracy prevail in order to achieve sustainable development.
Goal 16 of the SDGs is dedicated to the promotion of peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, the provision of access to justice for all, and building effective, accountable institutions at all levels.
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Responsible Entities to Achieve the Goal and Monitor Achievement Levels:
’ Ministry of Interior
’ Ministry of Finance
’ Information & eGovernment Authority
Sixteenth Goal Statistics
’ 100% of births of children under five years of age are registered with a civil authority
’ Independent National Human Rights Institutions in compliance with the Paris Principles
’ 0.44 homicide rate per 100,000 population
Policies and Strategies Supporting the Sixteenth Goal
The Government Action Plan [8] reflects the strategic priorities of the Bahraini government with a focus on delivering sustainable change in line with the reform project of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of Bahrain. Built upon the principles of Sustainability, Transparency, Justice, and Competitiveness, the Government Action Plan aim at capitalizing on the Kingdom’s resources and capabilities to meet the needs of all Bahrainis.
Bahrain’s Council of Representatives [9] has been granted the full authority to review and approve the four-year plan including the overall development agenda, fiscal budget, and yearly closing accounts. Although the governance system in Bahrain is remarked with the separation of legislative, executive and judicial authorities, the Kingdom is blessed with cooperative relationship between the legislative and executive branches to build a better future for Bahrain. The full authority given to the Council of Representative is one of the main outcomes of the National Dialogue and the Constitutional Amendments in 2012.
The Council suggested 52 recommendations, which have been approved by the Bahrain government subsequently and incorporated into the Government Action Plan.
Bahrain judicial system
The Kingdom seeks to promote and protect human rights through political and legislative measures, including insuring that every citizen has a legal identity, and that all births are recorded in a central register immediately after birth in accordance with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which Bahrain joined in 1989.
The Bahraini judicial system enjoys independence, in compliance with the Constitution, which grants a separation of powers. The judicial process includes a series of legal procedures to ensure fair trials, including the right to a defense, due process and judicial assistance. The Kingdom guarantees rights and freedoms to its citizens, including personal and religious freedoms, and guarantees access to institutions and mechanisms which protect these rights such as the judicial system. The Kingdom also offers accountable democratic practices through the legislative authority, freedom of opinion and expression, and supports other freedoms and institutions such as non-governmental organizations and the media.
Al-Abbasi: There is a close relationship between parliamentary and media work.
https://www.ahlia.edu.bh/cms4/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Issue-32.pdf
Al-Abbasi emphasized the importance of an open dialogue between the deputy and their electoral base to clarify the details and aspects of various issues discussed in the council, especially those that directly impact the daily lives of citizens.
Student Council
https://www.ahlia.edu.bh/directorate-of-student-services-activities/
One of Ahlia University priorities is to create the right means of communication between students and the management and give the students the right to express their opinions and to discuss their problems in a democratic manner. In order to achieve this noble objective, the university established the Student Council, which consists of members elected by their fellow students from different colleges.
’ Student Council membership normally lasts for one year.
’ The winners in the election elect the Student Council President and the heads of different Student Council committees.
The Student Council aims to achieve the following:
’ Develop students’ personalities from the academic, social, cultural, and national aspects.
’ Develop students’ leadership skills and allow them to freely express their views and opinions.
’ Develop students’ awareness of their rights and responsibilities within the university rules and regulations.
’ Support students activities in the fields of science, culture, social and sports, and therefore improve the students overall educational attainment.
Encourage the spirit of collaboration and team work between the students and create a strong bond between the students and the University faculty and staff.
Students’ contribution towards the development of better student services.
All full-time students have the right to be nominated for the membership of the Student Council provided that they meet the following criteria:
Must be a full-time student within the college he\she will represent.
Must be of good behavior and conduct.
Have successfully completed at least 30 credit-hours.
Must have a minimum CGPA of 2:00.
The elected Student Council members must register for at least 12 credit-hours for every academic semester, apart from the summer session and he graduating semester.
Students can run for membership in the Student Council twice, throughout their study duration.
AHLIA UNIVERSITY STUDENTS CLUBS
https://www.ahlia.edu.bh/cms4/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Annual-Report_2018-19_061220.pdf
The Directorate of Student Services & Activities oversees the activities of six students clubs based at Ahlia University. These student clubs were formed by students, and run by students, with oversight and support provided by Ahlia units and staff.
TOGETHER S.A.F.E’ CAMPAIGN
https://www.ahlia.edu.bh/events/together-s-f-e-campaign/
The event was an opportunity for the team to promote their campaign outside of the university and to convey their message of love, peace and social tolerance to the whole community.
TOGETHER SAFE-STAND AGAINST FEAR & EXTREMISM-ALWATAN
https://www.ahlia.edu.bh/together-safe-stand-fear-extremism-alwatan/
Deanship of Student Affairs
https://www.ahlia.edu.bh/deanship-students-affairs/
The Deanship of Student Affairs has a direct relationship with the students. The utmost role of this relationship is taking care of the students and supervising their different activities.’ This is done by providing various services to students which can help them to overcome any academic difficulties, resolve any issues or conflicts and encourage them to participate in curricular and extra circular activities. It shoulders the responsibility of assisting in preparing Ahlia University students, socially, culturally as well as enforcing good discipline.
The vision of the Deanship of Student Affairs is to become a leading centre of academic excellence by providing the highest quality services to students to develop their personal, social, and intellectual ability.
The Deanship of Student Affairs is divided into Four Directorates:
’ Directorate of Admission and Registration: Manages admission, provides advice and support to prospective students, handles student records, course timetabling, exam scheduling and process student graduation after the completion of the academic programme.
’ Directorate of Student Counselling: Provides student guidance, counselling and advising services to students. The directorate also follows up on special needs students. The Directorate also follows up with the concerned departments with regards to students on probation, student attendance and progression.
’ Directorate of Professional Relations: Provides support for student internship placements, career counselling, and helps to establish relations between the academic staff and industry to provide consultancy, training and research. Alumni follow up is also done via the directorate through its Alumni Club.
’ Directorate of Student Activities and Services: Provides extra circular activities related to sport, culture, and other social events. The directorate also provides support for the student elections to Student Council as well as providing support for the Student Council.
The Deanship of Student Affairs maintains an open-door policy, where students are welcomed at any time if they have questions, concerns, or would like to set up a meeting with a staff member. A dedicated officer at the Deanship of Student Affairs is responsible to follow up with all enquires and complaints raised by the students either through ADREG or in person. The Deanship directs all enquiries/complaints to the appropriate channels and follows up to ensure the matter is resolved satisfactorily. An enquiry and complaint system on ADREG is available for students to submit any concerns or questions.