SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Promote just, peaceful and inclusive societies.
SDG16 aims to significantly reduce all forms of violence and related deaths, end the abuse and exploitation of children, and reduce the illegal arms trade. Achieving this means promoting the rule of law by combatting corruption, fostering institutional accountability, and promoting representative decision making.
Advances toward SDG16 aims are uneven with millions around the world still deprived of their security, rights, and opportunities, while attacks on civil society are holding back development progress. Corruption in its various forms is thought to cost developing countries US$1.26 trillion every year – money that could otherwise be spent on poverty reduction. Meanwhile, violence remains widespread: 50% of the world’s children experience violence each year; there are 20 million refugees and over 41 million are internally displaced; and at least 4 million people are stateless.
Sustainable development is built on foundations of peace and justice. It depends on effective institutions to uphold the law and protect human rights. It is supported by a free press, as well as high standards of corporate and institutional accountability. It requires the poor and vulnerable are protected and included in social, political, and economic life.
How CSC is making a positive difference?
CSC certification plays a significant role in contributing to the objectives of Sustainable Development Goal 16 by promoting fair business practices, ethical conduct, and respect for human rights within the cement industry. The Technical Manual outlines criteria that ensure companies adhere to legal compliance (P1.01), including measures to combat corruption (P1.02). Moreover, CSC certification emphasizes the importance of respecting internationally recognized human rights (P2 criteria), including labor rights (P2.03) and the rights of indigenous peoples (P3 criteria), ensuring their free, prior, and informed consent (P3.02) is obtained for activities that may affect them. By requiring adherence to these standards, CSC certification fosters a culture of accountability, transparency, and respect for human dignity within the industry. Through its framework for ethical and legal compliance, CSC certification contributes to the promotion of the rule of law, combatting corruption, and upholding human rights, thereby advancing progress towards the goals of SDG 16.
Where does it appear in the Technical Manual ?
Fair business practices & compliance
Framework for ethical and legal compliance
Operations comply with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and acknowledge indigenous peoples’ rights
P1 – Ethical and Legal Compliance
Aim To ensure compliance with all applicable legislation.
P1.01 Legal Compliance
P1.02 Anti Corruption
P2 – Human Rights
Aim To ensure respect for all internationally recognized human rights in the “International Bill of Human Rights” which is based on the ICCPR, ICESCR and ILO Fundamental Conventions
P2.02 Conflict with local laws
P2.03 Labour Rights
P3 – Indigenous Peoples Rights
Aim: To ensure that the rights and way of life of indigenous peoples potentially affected are respected.
P3.02 Free, prior and informed consent
How the cement and concrete industry is making a positive difference
As part of their commitment to the GCCA Sustainability Charter, GCCA members commit to doing business with transparency, upholding the laws, regulations and institutions within all areas of operation. This includes conducting business in a safe, fair, and trustworthy manner, upholding the highest international standards, and with utmost respect for human rights, the environment, and the communities within which each member operates.