As States meet for SDG summit, GANHRI urges governments to renew their commitment to human rights-based action for the 2030 Agenda

Ahead of the 2023 SDG Summit in New York from 18-19 September, GANHRI – representing 120 national human rights institutions (NHRIs) across all regions – has adopted a Declaration calling on States to renew their commitment to human rights-based action and fully implement the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Goals. 

Marking the halfway point towards the 2030 Agenda deadline, the SDG Summit is “a crucial opportunity for States to rebuild trust, galvanise efforts and mobilise political commitment to accelerate collective, sustained and transformative solutions and deliver the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030”. 

The GANHRI Declaration highlights the “unique and powerful role” of NHRIs across the globe to promote a human rights-based and people-centred implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.  

The “existence of independent NHRIs in compliance with the Paris Principles” also serves as a global indicator for achieving SDG 16, which is focused on promoting peaceful societies, providing access to justice for all and building effective, accountable and inclusive institutions. 

In the Declaration, NHRIs “reaffirmed their commitment to collaborate with States and all stakeholders” and use their broad and independent mandate to contribute towards the realisation of the 2030 Agenda.” 

The Declaration sets out nine key principles that States must prioritise to fully deliver on the 2030 Agenda’s central promise to leave no one behind: 

1. Human rights and the SDGs are interlinked and mutually reinforcing 
2. A human rights and people–centered approach, based on the principles of non-discrimination and equality, is essential to realise the promise to “leave no one behind” 
3. Urgent, collective and long-term action is required to meet all SDGs by 2030 
4. States must ratify and implement all international human rights instruments, and fully cooperate with human rights mechanisms 
5. Reliable data and evidence are key to promoting SDGs and human rights 
6. Meaningful and inclusive participation of rights holders should be at the heart of the Agenda’s implementation 
7. SDG advancement is foundational for promoting gender equality 
8. Climate change needs urgent attention and action 
9. NHRIs, civil society and human rights defenders must be protected 

2023 marks the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the 30th anniversary of the Paris Principles, which sets the foundation for independent NHRIs. Recognising these historic milestones, GANHRI invites all States to “renew their commitment to the realisation of human rights, peace and sustainable development for all”.

We urge Governments to strengthen existing NHRIs, including by providing them with adequate technical and financial resources, and ensure that all NHRIs and other human rights defenders are effectively protected. GANHRI encourages the establishment of independent NHRIs in those countries where they do not currently exist, in line with the NHRI Indicator under SDG 16.