Repression and conflict put UN goals at risk: civil society declaration

At a recent United Nations conference on the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 16, held in New York on May 12, a joint civil society declaration was presented which highlights growing threats to democracy, peace, and inclusive governance worldwide.

The document states that “multilateralism is faltering and caught in a grip of overlapping existential crises” that “leaves it ill-equipped to pursue and achieve sustainable development that leaves no one behind.”

Multilateralism is faltering and in existential crisis

With regard to fostering peaceful, just, and inclusive societies, the focus of SDG 16, the declaration offers a sobering assessment of “unacceptable and escalating levels of civil society repression” even in long-standing democracies. The document highlights that the rise of authoritarianism and populism has contributed to the shrinking of civic space, including through defunding, criminalization of activism, and increasingly restrictive laws that suppress dissent. Such tactics, the declaration warns, erode government accountability, undermine public trust in institutions, and damage social cohesion.

Civil society organizations are recognized as indispensable actors, serving as watchdogs, service providers, and drivers of innovation and social accountability. The declaration underscores that marginalized groups in particular face a “disturbing level of escalation in governments targeting, victimizing and scapegoating” them to justify repression.

The declaration provides recommendations “for revitalized action on SDG 16” in the thematic areas of redirecting global priorities from conflict toward cooperation through investments in peace, justice, and development; delivering catalytic financing and fixing a broken global financial system to adequately support SDG 16; strengthening and expanding civic space and fundamental freedoms; and safeguarding and expanding justice “in all its forms”.

Entire 2030 Agenda is now threatened

Against the backdrop of escalating violent conflicts and growing global fragmentation, the declaration warns that the erosion of democratic protections presents a profound threat to the entire 2030 Agenda, emphasizing further that “all SDGs depend on establishing lasting peace and preventing violent conflict.”

The declaration was drafted and presented by the Transparency, Accountability and Participation (TAP) Network, a group specialized on SDG 16 with over 200 member organizations in more than 70 countries. Elena Marmo, Head of Advocacy & Campaigns emphasized governments’ commitment enshrined in SDG target 16.7 to “ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels.”

Improving representation, participation and deliberation at the UN

She stressed the necessity of continued advocacy of a meaningful role of civil society in “decision making spaces” and called for progress “in shaping a more open and accountable United Nations” as the world organization marks its 80th anniversary.

In this regard, the declaration urges governments to “partner with civil society in developing and implementing institutional changes that aim at improving representation, participation and deliberation,” highlighting the critical importance to “include and empower people, civil society, citizen-elected representatives, and other stakeholders.” It recommends building on initiatives such as the UNMute Civil Society and the We The Peoples campaigns to enhance global civic engagement.