Operationalising SDG 16

Dr Charles T. Hunt (Social and Global Studies Centre) was lead author on recently launched government Field Handbook entitled ‘From Principle to Practice: Protecting Civilians in Violent Contexts’ in partnership with the Humanitarian Advisory Group (HAG) on behalf of the Australian Federal Government’s Australian Civil-Military Centre (ACMC).

Dr Charles T. Hunt (ARC DECRA Fellow in RMIT’s Social and Global Studies Centre) was lead author on recently launched government Field Handbook entitled ‘From Principle to Practice: Protecting Civilians in Violent Contexts’ that addresses the links between peace and sustainable development reflected in Goal 16 of the Sustainable Development Goals.

The project was a collaboration between RMIT/SGSC/Dr Hunt and the Humanitarian Advisory Group (HAG) on behalf of the Australian Federal Government’s Australian Civil-Military Centre (ACMC). The Handbook constitutes part of an emerging national framework for the Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict. Dr Hunt said that “This is a great example of the Australian Government demonstrating leadership in response to the UN Secretary-General’s call for UN member States to 'domesticate' the protection of civilians by developing national policy and guidance architecture.”

The Handbook provides real-world examples, tools and resources intended for the wide range of actors - civilian, military, government, non-government and communities themselves - who contribute to safeguarding populations in different ways. It aims to provide the ‘what’, the ‘why’ and the ‘how’ of protecting civilians in violent contexts.

Dr Hunt added that “The Handbook addresses how the promotion of peace, justice and strong institutions – as well as better understanding the linkages between them – is part of creating a protective environment for vulnerable populations in conflict-affected societies. This is precisely what SDG16 is about.”

In relating the Protection of Civilians to other global agendas such as Women, Peace & Security, Children and Armed Conflict, the Agenda for Humanity and Sustaining Peace, the work also contributes to the 2030 agenda for sustainable development more generally.

Excerpt from Dr ‘From Principle to Practice: Protecting Civilians in Violent Contexts’ handbook

12 June 2020

More SDGs News

SDG Governance and Reporting in Partnership with CPA Australia

A new report from RMIT University and CPA Australia has revealed that there is substantial variability in the content and quality of SDG disclosures within corporate sustainability reports, bringing into question the management processes associated with SDG governance and reporting.

The role of accounting education as a conduit for SDGs adoption

The RMIT Accounting Educators’ Conference will be held in hybrid mode at the offices of CPA Australia, Melbourne on Monday 28th Nov 2022. The theme of the conference this year is “The role of accounting education as a conduit for Sustainable Development Goals’ (SDGs) adoption.

A breath of fresh air

RMIT is partnering up with EIT Urban Mobility and FutureLearn to launch a series of free online courses that answer the question: How can we improve air quality in our cities? The courses will launch on 22 September 2022, in accordance with World Car Free Day, and we invite you to join us!

Sustainability and SDGs Annual Report for 2021

RMIT has released its Sustainability Annual Report and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Impact Report for 2021. These reports reflect our commitment to accountability and transparency regarding the way our learning and teaching, research and innovation, and operations impact the environment and society.

Load more +

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

More information

Operationalising SDG 16