Governance, Human Rights and Civil Society
Effective governance creates a society where people live with dignity and freedom. Good governance and human rights reinforce each other and are built on four core foundations: participation, accountability, transparency and state responsibility.
An enabling environment is key to everyone’s enjoyment of their human rights. This requires accountable institutions, the rule of law and equal access to justice, reflecting SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions and the goal of building peaceful, inclusive societies.
Good governance encompasses the mechanisms that keep society functioning, laws, regulations, institutions, political structures and administrative processes. A solid governance system is essential to respect and protect human rights, respond to the population’s needs and empower people, particularly marginalised groups.
Civil society serves as a vital bridge between citizens and governments, actively promoting and safeguarding good governance and human rights. Through advocacy, monitoring and public awareness campaigns, civil society organisations (CSOs) hold governments accountable for their actions and ensure they adhere to human rights principles. They contribute to policy development, support marginalised populations, and facilitate dialogue to prevent and resolve conflicts peacefully.
