Statement delivered by the Representative
of Greece to the UN
Open Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals
4 April, 2014
CLUSTER 8
At the outset, I would like to point out that Greece aligns itself with the relevant comments made by E.E.
Furthermore, although recognizing the interlinkages between the issues dealt in this focus area, as previously mentioned by other delegations, we are of the view that the issues of peaceful and safe societies on the one hand, and human rights, good governance, effective institutions, democracy and the rule of law on the other, should be considered as two distinct focus areas
In addition, we believe that these two focus areas should be better reflected in the interlinkages across many of the other focus areas.
Peaceful and non-violent societies
• Violence within States, particularly undermines peaceful and stable societies when it is exerted by institutions aimed at protecting, such as police and military. Thus, it is very important to ensure accountability and respect for human rights from these actors and we would like to propose a target on strengthening the capacity and accountability of security institutions.
• Furthermore, Greece supports the inclusion as targets of combating international organised crime and illicit trade and trafficking, as well as reducing the incidence of crime and violence in societies. We believe that these are truly universal challenges which should be integrated into the framework of SDGs.
• Moreover, we would particularly welcome the inclusion, as a target, of the fight against human trafficking and the need to improve planned and managed migration policies. We would like to stress the interlinkage of this target with the one in focus area 12, on promoting equality, as regards to policies for planned, well managed and legal migration. Furthermore we believe that, within that context, return and readmission policies, including reintegration, are highly important and must become an essential part of migration management.
Rule of law and capable institutions
• We believe that the rule of law is key to promoting equality and tackling discrimination, the importance of which was highlighted in our discussions under the first cluster. If we can succeed in creating a strong governance focus area, in line with human rights principles, then we will create more equal chances and opportunities for all.
Finally we would like to particularly highlight the importance of good governance. As possible targets, we would like to propose the following:
- ensure public participation in political decision-making
- ensure transparent decision-making and reduce corruption
- strengthen the capacity of parliaments and all elected representatives and promoting a diverse and independent media.
- ensure an independent and effective justice system for all.
I thank you.
