Juneau does not need permission to live its values – Juneau Independent

Report on Juneau’s Alignment with Human Rights Principles and Sustainable Development Goals

1.0 Introduction: Localizing International Commitments

This report assesses the city of Juneau’s existing practices in the context of international human rights treaties signed by the United States. It evaluates how current municipal initiatives align with the principles of these treaties and contribute to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The analysis indicates that Juneau already functions as a de facto human rights city, with significant contributions toward creating inclusive, just, and sustainable communities.

2.0 International Framework and Municipal Responsibility

2.1 United States Human Rights Treaty Obligations

The United States is a signatory to several core international human rights treaties, which establish binding obligations. These obligations extend to all levels of government, including state and municipal authorities. Key treaties include:

• The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
• The Convention Against Torture
• The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination

2.2 Application to Juneau and SDG 16

International law, as affirmed by UN human rights committees, mandates that federal states ensure treaty compliance across all jurisdictions. Therefore, municipal decisions in areas such as public health, zoning, and cultural investment are integral to national fulfillment of these promises. This localization of responsibility is a core component of SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, which calls for effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.

3.0 Analysis of Juneau’s Initiatives and SDG Contributions

Juneau has implemented numerous policies and programs that reflect a commitment to human rights and directly support various SDGs.

3.1 Promoting Equality and Inclusive Institutions (SDG 5, 10, 16)

Juneau’s legal and civic frameworks actively promote equality and reduce inequalities.

• Human Rights Commission: Provides a platform for resident engagement and ensures ongoing dialogue on equity, supporting the development of inclusive institutions (SDG 16).
• Anti-Discrimination Ordinance: Offers protections exceeding federal law, prohibiting discrimination based on race, sex, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. This directly advances SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

3.2 Fostering Sustainable and Culturally Rich Communities (SDG 11, 17)

The city demonstrates a commitment to building a sustainable and inclusive community through cultural preservation and strategic partnerships.

• Cultural Heritage: Initiatives like the Empty Chair Memorial and the Celebration Festival honor history and cultural identity, contributing to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by making the city inclusive and preserving cultural heritage.
• Indigenous Partnerships: Active collaborations with the Douglas Indian Association and the Central Council of Tlingit and Haida strengthen Indigenous rights and representation, embodying the principles of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
• Support for Vulnerable Populations: Organizations such as the Alaska Institute for Justice and AWARE provide essential services, translating treaty principles into tangible support for refugees and survivors.

3.3 Advancing Environmental Stewardship (SDG 7, 13)

Juneau’s environmental programs align with the globally recognized right to a healthy environment and support climate-related SDGs.

• Emissions Reduction and Renewable Energy: Efforts to reduce diesel emissions and promote renewable energy sources contribute directly to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

4.0 Recommendations for Formal Recognition

4.1 The Case for a “Human Rights City” Designation

Formally adopting the title of a “Human Rights City” would not create new legal burdens but would serve to unify Juneau’s identity and provide a coherent framework for future policy-making. It would institutionalize the practice of evaluating major decisions, such as those concerning development and infrastructure, through a lens of human dignity and sustainability, thereby reinforcing the city’s commitment to the SDGs.

4.2 Proposed Action Plan

A formal resolution by the Assembly is recommended as a meaningful step to solidify this commitment. The process should include the following actions:

1. Affirm that Juneau recognizes its role in helping the United States meet its international human rights treaty obligations.
2. Commit the city to formally considering human rights and SDG impacts in major decisions involving housing, the environment, and community well-being.
3. Utilize the designation to strengthen Juneau’s contribution to national human rights reports and enhance its standing as a leader in equality and environmental stewardship.

5.0 Conclusion

Juneau’s existing policies and community initiatives demonstrate a profound, practical commitment to human rights principles that are synergistic with the Sustainable Development Goals. A formal declaration as a “Human Rights City” would be a logical progression, aligning the city’s official identity with its demonstrated values and providing a robust framework for building a more just, equitable, and sustainable future for all its residents.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 5: Gender Equality

  The article connects to this goal by highlighting Juneau’s inclusive anti-discrimination ordinance, which explicitly prohibits unequal treatment based on “sex, … sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression,” demonstrating a commitment to equality for all genders.

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

  This goal is addressed through the mention of Juneau’s environmental programs that are “advancing renewable energy,” which is a key component of creating sustainable and clean energy systems.

• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

  This is a central theme of the article. It discusses the city’s efforts to combat discrimination through its ordinance covering “race, sex, disability, religion,” and other statuses. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of strengthening “Indigenous representation and rights” through partnerships with local Indigenous associations.

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  The article directly relates to making cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. It mentions local governance aspects like “zoning decision, public health plan,” and making major decisions involving “housing, the environment, and community well-being.” It also highlights the protection of cultural heritage through the “Empty Chair Memorial and the biennial Celebration Festival.”

• SDG 13: Climate Action

  The article touches upon this goal by referencing Juneau’s “environmental programs, from reducing diesel emissions to advancing renewable energy.” These actions are direct measures to combat climate change and its impacts at the local level.

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

  The core argument of the article is about a city’s role in upholding international human rights treaties. It showcases local institutions like the “Human Rights Commission” that ensure accountability and inclusivity (“gives residents a seat at the table”) and the city’s “anti-discrimination ordinance” as examples of just and effective governance.

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

  This goal is reflected in the article’s mention of collaborative efforts. It specifically cites “partnerships with the Douglas Indian Association and the Central Council of Tlingit and Haida” and organizations like “the Alaska Institute for Justice and AWARE” to protect vulnerable residents and strengthen rights, demonstrating a multi-stakeholder approach.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 5: Gender Equality

  • Target 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere. The article’s mention of an anti-discrimination ordinance that includes sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity directly supports this target by creating policies to eliminate such discrimination.

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

  • Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. The city’s effort in “advancing renewable energy” is a direct action toward achieving this target.

• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

  • Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status. The city’s anti-discrimination ordinance and its partnerships to strengthen Indigenous representation are concrete examples of promoting inclusion.
  • Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices. The “anti-discrimination ordinance” is a direct implementation of this target.

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  • Target 11.4: Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage. The article mentions the “Empty Chair Memorial and the biennial Celebration Festival” as efforts that “honor both cultural heritage and historic justice.”
  • Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities. The program for “reducing diesel emissions” is a specific action aimed at improving the urban environment.

• SDG 13: Climate Action

  • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning. By implementing environmental programs at the city level, Juneau is integrating climate action into its local planning and governance, as advocated by this target.

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

  • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels. The “Human Rights Commission” is presented as an example of such an institution that provides accountability and public participation.
  • Target 16.b: Promote and enforce non-discriminatory laws and policies for sustainable development. The city’s anti-discrimination ordinance is a clear example of enforcing non-discriminatory laws at the local level.

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

  • Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships. The article explicitly cites “partnerships with the Douglas Indian Association and the Central Council of Tlingit and Haida” and civil society organizations like “AWARE” as key to the city’s human rights efforts.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• SDG 10 & 16 (Targets 10.3 & 16.b)

  • Indicator: The existence and comprehensive nature of the city’s anti-discrimination ordinance. The article implies this is a key measure of progress by stating it is “broader and more inclusive than federal law.”

• SDG 11 (Target 11.4)

  • Indicator: The establishment and continued support for cultural heritage initiatives. The “Empty Chair Memorial” and the “biennial Celebration Festival” serve as tangible indicators of the city’s commitment to protecting and honoring cultural heritage.

• SDG 7 & 13 (Targets 7.2 & 13.2)

  • Indicator: Implementation of specific environmental programs. Progress can be measured by tracking the status and impact of initiatives aimed at “reducing diesel emissions” and “advancing renewable energy.”

• SDG 16 (Target 16.6)

  • Indicator: The functioning of an independent human rights institution. The existence and active role of the “Human Rights Commission” in giving “residents a seat at the table” is a direct indicator of institutional effectiveness and accountability.

• SDG 17 (Target 17.17)

  • Indicator: The number and quality of partnerships with civil society and Indigenous groups. The article implies that the active “partnerships with the Douglas Indian Association and the Central Council of Tlingit and Haida” are a measure of the city’s success in strengthening rights and representation.

4. Create a table with three columns titled ‘SDGs, Targets and Indicators” to present the findings from analyzing the article.

Source: juneauindependent.com