• Share

SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

There is an expectation that the private sector can and should play a significant role in promoting and supporting the delivery of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This SDG calls for significant reductions in all forms of violence, an end to the abuse and torture of children, the promotion of the rule of law at all levels, and a reduction in illicit financial and arms flows.

Mining companies can contribute to peaceful and inclusive societies by respecting human rights, maintaining transparency, and managing security responsibly. Effective grievance mechanisms and meaningful community participation are essential. By adopting robust disclosure and reporting practices, companies can also help combat illicit financial flows and strengthen institutions.

What companies need to know to manage impacts or make a positive contribution
  1. The prevalence and reasons behind conflicts within countries of operation and how the activities may exacerbate conflict.
  2. How to apply the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, in particular the conduct of due diligence and provision of local level remedy for complaints and grievances.
  3. The prevalence of corruption in countries of operation.
Industry action may involve:
  • Conducting transfer pricing of intra-company transactions via arms-length rule.
  • Actively participating in the EITI (Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative) to support efforts to enhance governance of natural resources.
  • Disclosing mineral development contracts with host governments to allow both companies and governments to be held accountable for the decisions made on behalf of a country’s citizens.
  • Engaging in collaborative cross-sectoral initiatives and efforts to address corruption.
  • Extending human rights and anti-corruption practices to contractors and suppliers.
  • Listening and responding to stakeholder concerns, and establish formal and accessible complaint and grievance mechanisms.
  • Conducting regular and early human rights due diligence, that explicitly incorporates vulnerable groups into risk assessments.
  • Adopting robust anti-corruption policies and implementing effective control systems.
  • Where appropriate, participating in certification schemes to increase product traceability.