In a post-war world, marked by reconstruction and the search for stability, human rights emerged as a crucial response to prevent the repetition of crimes and atrocities. On December 10, 1948, the United Nations General Assembly established the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, representing a historic milestone in guaranteeing the fundamental rights of all people.

The Universal Declaration recognized the inalienable dignity of the human person as the foundation of freedom, justice and peace throughout the world. She stated that human rights are universal, applicable to all individuals. This historic declaration marked the collective commitment of countries to respect and protect the fundamental rights of every human being.

On December 10, 1950, International Human Rights Day was established as an annual celebration to reaffirm commitment to the principles of the Universal Declaration. This date is a constant reminder that the promotion and protection of human rights are shared responsibilities of all countries and individuals.

Looking to the future, the UN proposed the 2030 Agenda, an ambitious sustainable development strategy comprising the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This agenda, adopted in 2015, is a joint effort between countries, companies, institutions and civil society to address the most pressing global challenges over the next 15 years.

The Agenda consists of a Declaration, 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 169 Goals

correspondents, a section on means of implementation and global partnerships, and a framework for follow-up and review. The 17 Goals are integrated and indivisible, and stimulate action in five areas considered fundamental for humanity:

 

(I) People – ensuring that all human beings can fulfill their potential in terms of dignity and equality, in a healthy environment;

(II) Planet – protecting the planet from degradation and combating climate change, in order to meet the needs of present and future generations;

(III) Prosperity – ensuring that all human beings can enjoy a prosperous and fulfilling life, and that economic, social and technological progress occurs in harmony with nature;

(IV) Peace – promoting peaceful, just and inclusive societies, free from fear and violence;

(V) Partnerships – mobilizing the necessary means to implement the Agenda.

 

The SDGs cover a wide range of issues, from eradicating poverty and hunger to promoting gender equality, taking action on climate change and promoting peace and justice. These goals reflect the global commitment to guarantee human rights and create a more just and sustainable world for all.

In this context, the private sector plays a key role. As the holder of economic power, companies have both the responsibility and the opportunity to drive concrete actions towards the SDGs. Through innovations, technologies, influence and engagement with diverse audiences, including governments, suppliers, employees and consumers, companies can significantly contribute to the realization of human rights and sustainable development.

Implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) takes place through a voluntary process led by UN Member States, which undertake periodic reviews to assess progress made at the subnational, national, regional and global levels. These reviews are conducted during meetings of the High Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development and are accompanied by annual reports prepared by the UN Secretary-General.

To monitor the progress of the SDGs, 230 indicators developed by the Interagency Group of Experts on SDG Indicators (GIPI-SDGs) were established. These indicators provide a basis for measuring and evaluating performance against each objective and help identify areas that require greater attention and effort.

A key approach to the success of the SDGs is their localization at the subnational level. The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) highlights the importance of adapting and implementing the SDGs at regional, state and local levels, taking into account the specific realities and challenges of each context. By localizing the SDGs, it is possible to involve local governments, communities, the private sector, civil society organizations and other relevant actors in the implementation and monitoring of the goals, ensuring a more comprehensive and participatory approach.

Some SDGs reiterate already enshrined rights, both first-generation rights, related to individual freedoms and political participation, and second-generation rights, which involve social, economic and cultural issues. These objectives reaffirm the importance of these fundamental rights and seek to ensure their continued protection and promotion.

On the other hand, the SDGs also address the practical implementation of these rights, especially those of a social nature. They establish concrete goals and guidelines to achieve sustainable development, including financial aspects, availability of credit and economic growth of countries. These goals are considered precepts related to third generation rights, which focus on issues such as peace, development, environment and global cooperation.

The inclusion of objectives and goals that seek solutions for the realization of human rights reflects the concern of the international community, especially the United Nations, with the protection and enforcement of these rights around the world.

Furthermore, the SDGs recognize the interconnection between different aspects of human rights and the need to address these issues in an integrated and comprehensive way. They highlight the importance of international cooperation, partnerships between governments, the private sector, civil society and local communities, and the active participation of all segments of society in the search for solutions and the promotion of human rights.

The discrepancy in reality between rich and poor countries is a fundamental challenge for the realization of human rights on a global scale. This disparity is especially reflected in the contrast between the north-south axis of the globe, where developed and developing countries face different challenges. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development recognizes this reality and highlights the importance of partnerships as a means of achieving equitable and sustainable development. SDG 17, in particular, emphasizes North-South cooperation, as well as the principle of common but differentiated obligations. The Sustainable Development Goals are a reflection of the global commitment to human rights, combining reaffirmation, concrete targets and practical solutions to ensure the protection, respect and realization of these fundamental rights around the world.

As long as social and economic inequalities persist between countries, human rights objectives cannot be considered fully achieved. Fundamental rights can only be truly realized when all people, regardless of their geographic location or socioeconomic status, have equal access to opportunities and resources.

Given this perspective, it is important to mention that – between the proclamation of the UDHR and the commitment to the SDGs – several other national and international instruments were created to promote development and guarantee human rights. Some of the main ones are the Brazilian Federal Constitution of 1988, the International Covenants on Civil and Political Rights, and on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and the Declaration of Vienna.

 

The Relationship Between the Sustainable Development Goals and Social Impact

 

While the SDGs are not directly a metric for evaluating and measuring social impact, they play an important role in providing guidelines and indicators for companies, projects and organizations. In this context, it is crucial to understand the relationship between the SDGs and the social impact generated by interventions and initiatives.

Civil rights play a key role in promoting equality, freedom and justice in a society. They are intrinsically linked to the guarantee of individual freedoms and are a historic achievement in the fight against oppression and inequality.

Civil rights encompass a set of fundamental freedoms that all individuals must have, regardless of their origin, race, gender, religion or any other characteristic. These rights include freedom of expression, the right to life, equality before the law, nationality, asylum and free movement. They are essential for the full exercise of citizenship and for the protection of human dignity.

One of the fundamental principles of civil rights is equality before the law. This means that all people must be treated equally and have access to the same rights and opportunities. Equality before the law breaks with social structures based on privilege and discrimination, ensuring that no one is excluded or marginalized based on their social, economic, racial, ethnic or gender status.

Civil rights were won in response to the lack of individual freedoms and oppression faced by many people throughout history. They represent a victory in the struggle for social justice and the guarantee of basic human rights.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), established by the United Nations (UN) in 2015, represent a global agenda to promote sustainable development in its various dimensions. Among the 17 SDGs, SDG 16 has a primary focus on promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, as well as ensuring access to justice and building effective institutions at all levels. In this context, SDG 16 directly addresses civil rights, with specific targets aimed at reducing violence, protecting children, promoting the rule of law and ensuring access to information and fundamental freedoms.

One of the targets of SDG 16 is to significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere. This includes tackling domestic violence, organized crime, terrorism and armed conflict. Furthermore, SDG 16 seeks to end abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence and torture against children, ensuring a safe and secure environment for the healthy development of future generations.

Another key goal of SDG 16 is to promote the rule of law, both nationally and internationally, and ensure equal access to justice for all. This implies building effective, accountable and inclusive institutions that are capable of guaranteeing respect for human rights, the impartial application of laws and equitable access to justice. This goal seeks to strengthen judicial systems, fight corruption, promote transparency and ensure that all people have access to a fair and impartial legal system.

SDG 16 also sets the goal of providing legal identity for everyone, including birth registration. This is essential to guarantee the legal recognition of each individual, guaranteeing their rights and facilitating their full participation in society.

In 2018, Law No. 13,675 was enacted, which established the National Policy for Public Security and Social Defense (PNSPDS) in Brazil. In addition, the law also created the Unified Public Security System (SUSP), with the aim of promoting coordinated action between the public security bodies of the Union, states, Federal District and municipalities, together with society.

The National Policy for Public Security and Social Defense (PNSPDS) established by Law No. 13,675 aims to articulate the actions of the various bodies responsible for public security, such as the federal, state and municipal police, in addition to other relevant actors, such as the penitentiary system and the intelligence bodies. The policy's main objective is to ensure the effectiveness of public security actions, focusing on the prevention and repression of crime, as well as the promotion of citizenship and peaceful coexistence.

One of the main innovations brought about by Law No. 13,675 is the creation of the Unified Public Security System (SUSP). The purpose of this system is to integrate public security actions between the different federative entities, promoting cooperation, information sharing and standardization of procedures. The SUSP seeks to overcome the fragmentation that often occurs in the performance of security institutions, allowing for a more efficient and effective approach to fighting crime and promoting security.

Law No. 13,675 recognizes the importance of society's participation in building a safe and harmonious environment. It establishes the need for integration between public security agencies and civil society, through councils, ombudsmen, conferences and other forms of dialogue and citizen participation. This articulation seeks to ensure that security policies and actions are built democratically and in line with the demands and needs of the population.

Human dignity is the central principle underlying human rights. It recognizes the intrinsic value of each individual, regardless of their personal characteristics or circumstances. Dignity implies respect for life, physical and psychological integrity, freedom, equality and the right to opportunities and dignified conditions of existence. By affirming that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity, the Universal Declaration reaffirms the importance of protecting and promoting the fundamental rights of all people.

 

The Relationship Between the Sustainable Development Goals and the Environment

 

Environmental rights play a key role in protecting the environment, promoting sustainability and ensuring adequate access to and use of natural resources. These rights emerged from international conventions that recognized the need for an integrated approach between the human community and nature. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have sought to advance this agenda, highlighting the importance of sustainable water management and the promotion of environmental quality as essential elements for human well-being and sustainable development.

Environmental rights are intrinsically linked to human rights, since environmental degradation directly affects people's quality of life and the exercise of their fundamental rights. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights recognizes the right of all people to an adequate standard of living, including the preservation of a healthy and sustainable environment. The SDGs complement this perspective by setting specific goals related to sustainable water management, reducing pollution and promoting recycling.

The Sustainable Development Goals are a global agenda that seeks to address the most pressing social, economic and environmental challenges. Within the scope of environmental rights, SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) highlights the importance of ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. The objective includes specific targets such as improving water quality, reducing pollution, and increasing recycling and safe reuse of wastewater.

Although the SDGs have contributed to placing the issue of environmental rights at the forefront of the global agenda, there are still challenges to be faced. This includes implementing environmental protection policies and measures, establishing effective regulations, promoting sustainable practices and raising awareness of the importance of environmental preservation.

The active and meaningful participation of children and adolescents is a fundamental element of human rights. Recognizing their importance as agents of change, the Convention on the Rights of the Child, in Article 12, highlights the right of children to express their views on issues that affect them. In this context, UNICEF has played a crucial role in working with young people, enabling them to raise their voices and become involved in discussions on climate change, through creative platforms, advocacy and participation in international summits.

Children, adolescents and youth have the potential to play a transformative role in addressing climate-related risks. By being empowered and encouraged to act proactively, they become agents of change in their communities. Through education and awareness, young people can gain knowledge about environmental issues and develop skills to promote sustainable lifestyles. They have the ability to positively influence their families, friends and colleagues, becoming inspiring examples of responsible environmental practices.

Young people's participation in climate action can take many forms. Through initiatives such as student movements, peaceful protests, awareness campaigns and engagement in community projects, children and adolescents demonstrate their concern for the environment and instigate real changes. In addition, they can use social networks and other online platforms to amplify their voices, share knowledge and promote collective actions in favor of the environment.

Youth engagement not only results in concrete changes in their immediate communities, but also inspires others to become involved in environmental action.

Recognition of the participation of children and adolescents as agents of environmental change is essential to promote awareness and action on climate issues.

UNICEF is committed to supporting initiatives that make schools, health centres, water and sanitation facilities, and other essential services more resilient to climate and environmental shocks. These actions not only strengthen the ability of children and adolescents to face future extreme weather events, but also contribute to reducing existing inequalities, preventing them from being exacerbated by climate change.

Resilience is key to ensuring that children and adolescents can overcome and recover from climate shocks such as storms, droughts and floods. UNICEF works to strengthen infrastructure and risk management practices in schools, health centers and other essential services, making them better prepared to face natural disasters. This includes building more robust physical structures, implementing early warning systems, training professionals to deal with emergencies and promoting contingency plans.

Climate change has the potential to exacerbate existing social inequalities, disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable children and adolescents. UNICEF works to ensure that climate adaptation actions are inclusive and address the specific needs of the most marginalized communities. This involves promoting the participation of children and adolescents, especially girls, in decisions related to climate adaptation, as well as the search for solutions that take into account local realities and the diversity of contexts.

Access to clean water, basic sanitation and quality health services is essential for the well-being of children and adolescents. UNICEF works to strengthen the resilience of these services, ensuring they can withstand the impacts of climate change. This includes building safe and sustainable water supply systems, implementing adaptation measures to ensure continuity of health services during disasters, and strengthening hygiene and sanitation practices.

Climate action offers an exceptional opportunity to unlock huge economic and social benefits that can help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

 

The Relationship Between the Sustainable Development Goals and the Economic Dimension

 

The 1988 Brazilian Constitution establishes a wide range of economic, social and cultural rights that aim to guarantee dignified living conditions for all citizens. These rights reflect the commitment of the Brazilian State to promoting equality, well-being and integral development of the population.

One of the main social rights provided for in the Constitution is the right to education. Education is considered a right for all and a duty of the State and the family. The objective is to promote the full development of the person, preparing them to exercise citizenship and qualifying them for work. The State, in collaboration with society, has the responsibility to promote and encourage education at all levels.

Health is also recognized as a fundamental right. The Constitution establishes that health is a right for all and a duty of the State. Universal and equal access to health actions and services is guaranteed through social and economic policies aimed at reducing the risk of diseases and providing comprehensive care to the population.

In the economic field, the Brazilian Constitution provides for the organization of social security as a general contributory regime with mandatory membership. The objective is to guarantee social protection to workers, providing social security benefits, such as retirement and sick pay, in accordance with criteria that preserve financial and actuarial balance.

Social assistance is also ensured as a right for everyone who needs it, regardless of contributions to social security. Social assistance seeks to support those in situations of social vulnerability, offering benefits, services and programs for inclusion and protection.

In the cultural field, the Constitution establishes the right of all to the full exercise of cultural rights and access to the sources of national culture. The State has the duty to guarantee access to culture and to support and encourage the appreciation and dissemination of cultural manifestations, promoting cultural diversity and preserving the country's historical and artistic heritage.

In addition, the Brazilian Constitution recognizes sport as a right of every individual. The State has a duty to promote sports practices, both formal and non-formal, promoting access and participation by all, aiming not only at physical activity, but also at the educational, social and health values that sport provides.

The Brazilian Constitution establishes a comprehensive set of economic, social and cultural rights that aim to guarantee dignified living conditions, promote equality and the well-being of the population. These rights reflect the Brazilian State's commitment to building a more just, inclusive and developed society, where all citizens can enjoy a full life and opportunities for their personal growth and fulfillment.

The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), adopted in 1966, plays a key role in protecting and promoting human rights in many areas, including the right to education. The ICESCR expanded and developed the content of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), comprehensively addressing the right to education as an essential component of human development.

In the context of the ICESCR, the right to education is conceived as more than just formal instruction. It encompasses comprehensive education aimed at the full development of the human personality, strengthening respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and promoting equal opportunities. This broad vision of education is in line with the 2030 Agenda, which seeks to ensure inclusive and quality education for all.

The ICESCR establishes the continuing obligation of States parties to act effectively to ensure the full realization of the right to education at all levels, from basic education to higher education. The 2030 Agenda, in turn, sets ambitious goals for education, demanding that the Member States guarantee at least 12 years of free, public, inclusive, equitable and quality basic schooling for all people. Of those 12 years, at least nine must be compulsory.

These targets reflect the global commitment to ensuring universal access to education and ensuring that no one is left behind. Quality education plays a crucial role in sustainable development, reducing inequalities and promoting gender equality. In addition, education is critical to enabling people to fully exercise their rights, participate actively in society and contribute to economic and social progress.

The Third National Human Rights Program (PNDH-3), established by Decree No. 7037/2009, plays a key role in guiding the actions of the Brazilian State for the promotion and protection of human rights. It covers a wide range of rights, including civil, political, economic, social, cultural and solidarity rights, reflecting the comprehensive and integrated approach to human rights.

The PNDH-3 was developed through a democratic and participatory process, incorporating the resolutions of more than 50 public policy conferences that addressed various topics, such as food security, education, health, housing, racial equality, women's rights, youth, children and adolescents, people with disabilities, elderly people, population and environment, among others. These conferences provided a space for dialogue and consultation with different sectors of civil society, experts and non-governmental organizations, ensuring a diversity of perspectives and contributions to the formulation of the program.

The PNDH-3 reflects the Brazilian State's commitment to promoting equality, social justice and respect for human rights in all areas of life. It recognizes that human rights cannot be understood in isolation, but are interconnected and interdependent. Thus, the program seeks to promote the integration of public policies, in order to approach the challenges and demands related to human rights in a holistic way.

By covering such diverse topics, the PNDH-3 reflects the need for a comprehensive approach to the promotion of human rights. It recognizes that the full realization of civil and political rights is intrinsically linked to respect for economic, social and cultural rights, as well as the promotion of solidarity and social inclusion. The program establishes guidelines and goals for State action in crucial areas, aimed at reducing inequalities, guaranteeing equal access to basic services, protecting vulnerable groups and promoting diversity and environmental sustainability.

The PNDH-3 plays an important role in promoting a fairer, more inclusive society that respects human rights in Brazil.

 

Building a Sustainable Future: Governance, Accountability and Partnership for Human Rights and the 2030 Agenda

 

Governance, accountability and partnership are essential elements for the effective implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the guarantee of human rights for all. The 2030 Agenda has as its main objective to ensure that no one is left behind, recognizing that rights are universal and must be guaranteed to all people, as set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

To achieve this objective, it is necessary to adopt special strategies that take into account the most vulnerable groups. These strategies must involve the entire community, including civil society, companies, universities, governments at their different levels (states, Federal District and municipalities), international organizations and all institutions of the different Powers of the Republic. Implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) requires the participation and commitment of all sectors of society.

Governments play a key role in the implementation of human rights and must take political leadership in this process. They have primary responsibility for ensuring respect, protection and promotion of human rights. These obligations are based on the principles of respecting rights, avoiding measures that prevent their exercise; protect rights by taking steps to prevent third-party interference; and promote rights by taking positive steps to facilitate access to rights.

However, the implementation of the SDGs requires the participation and collaboration of different actors. It is essential to promote partnerships in all areas, guided by the principles of dialogue, transparency and accountability. The democratization of the SDG implementation process strengthens engagement and cooperation between different sectors of society, including governments, civil society, the private sector, universities and international organizations.

In this sense, it is crucial to highlight the role of the private sector and companies in the discussion and implementation of the SDGs. The private sector has an important contribution to make towards achieving the goals of the 2030 Agenda. This can be done through job creation, sustainable national development and the generation of benefits for society. Companies can also adopt responsible practices that avoid negative social and environmental impacts, thus promoting the realization of human rights in the business context.

Partnership between governments, civil society and the private sector is key to addressing the complex challenges surrounding human rights and sustainable development. This collaboration must be based on principles of trust, sharing of responsibilities, mutual respect and constant dialogue.

The document “Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights”, approved by the United Nations Human Rights Council in July 2011, establishes a fundamental framework to guarantee the protection of human rights in the business context. These principles are based on three essential pillars: the State's duty to protect citizens against human rights abuses by third parties, including companies; the corporate responsibility to respect human rights; and victims' access to judicial and non-judicial remedies to remedy and repair violations.

In Brazil, it is worth highlighting the booklet entitled “Implementing the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights: the State's duty to protect and the responsibility of companies to respect human rights”, produced by the Ministry of Human Rights and the Working Group of Human Rights and Business (GDHeE) of the Law School of Fundação Getúlio Vargas (FGV). This booklet aims to guide Brazilian companies on the implementation of the guiding principles, emphasizing the role of the State in protecting human rights and the responsibility of companies to respect them.

It is important to emphasize that the promotion and protection of human rights is not the exclusive responsibility of the State and companies, but requires the involvement of all civil society, including universities, research institutions and international organizations. Everyone must become aware of the importance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Sustainable Development Goals, collaborating in their implementation, monitoring and inspection.

Analyzing the financial targets of SDG 17, it is evident that the poor performance of the Brazilian economy in the years prior to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda had significant impacts on the public budget. There was a reduction in direct investments in the country, an increase in debt service in relation to exports and volatility in spending on international cooperation.

With regard to technology-related targets, there has been constant progress in the quality of broadband in Brazil. However, it is important to recognize that this indicator alone can be considered insufficient to accompany the technological development in the country and in the world. The adoption of terms such as “environmentally safe technologies” requires further reflection and objective analysis for a proper understanding.

Despite financial constraints, Brazil continues to play an important role in international cooperation in science, technology and training. It is recommended to strengthen this position, especially in serving less developed countries. It is essential to seek partnerships and promote the exchange of knowledge and resources to drive technological and scientific advancement.

In terms of international trade, Brazil faced a general downturn in global trade flows. The country still maintains a relatively closed posture, with import tariffs above the world average. It is expected that recent efforts to open up trade and the search for bilateral and multilateral agreements, such as the agreement between Mercosur and the European Union, will contribute to reducing Brazilian import tariffs and bringing the country closer to global standards.

In the national context, Brazil has established SDG governance structures, led by the Secretariat of Government of the Presidency of the Republic (Segov/PR). The creation of the National Commission on the SDGs (CNODS) played an important role in the initial phases of the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. However, the recent change in legislation extinguished the commission, paving the way for a new model of governmental articulation that can accelerate the implementation of the SDGs, especially with regard to the internalization of goals.

Despite advances, there are still several goals that lack official data, and the construction of new indicators will be necessary for a complete analysis of SDG 17. The Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), the Institute of Applied Economic Research (Ipea) and other institutions producing statistics and administrative records will play a key role in this challenge. It is essential to overcome difficulties and advance in an integrated and continuous way to overcome the challenges of the 2030 Agenda.

Under this premise, the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) require a joint and continuous effort from all sectors of society.

International cooperation plays a fundamental role in this process, both in the exchange of knowledge and experiences and in supporting developing countries. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Sustainable Development Goals must be widely disseminated and understood, encouraging the active participation of all in the implementation, monitoring and inspection of these initiatives.