Report on the Non-Combat Death of a U.S. Marine and its Relation to Sustainable Development Goals

Incident Summary

A United States Marine, Corporal Santiago Llanes, died from non-combat related injuries in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The incident is currently under investigation.

• Subject: Corporal Santiago Llanes, Assistant Administrative Chief.
• Unit: Marine Corps Security Force Company, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
• Date of Discovery: Sunday.
• Circumstances: The Marine was found unresponsive in his barracks room and was pronounced dead at the scene.
• Status: The Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) has launched an investigation into the cause of death.

Institutional Response and Alignment with SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

The response to the death of Cpl. Llanes demonstrates the functioning of established institutional protocols, which is a core component of SDG 16. This goal emphasizes the importance of effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels.

1. Investigation for Justice and Accountability: The immediate launch of an investigation by NCIS into a non-combat, medically unattended death underscores a commitment to the rule of law and accountability within the Department of the Navy. This process is fundamental to ensuring justice and transparency.
2. Functioning of Strong Institutions: The coordinated actions, including the formal statement by NCIS spokeswoman Meredith March and the dignified transfer of the Marine’s remains to Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, reflect a robust institutional framework designed to handle such events with process and respect.

Relevance to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

This incident brings significant focus to SDG 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. The non-combat nature of the death places a critical emphasis on the holistic health of service members.

• Ensuring Well-being in Institutions: The death of a service member from non-combat injuries highlights the imperative for institutions to safeguard the physical and mental well-being of their personnel beyond operational hazards.
• Promoting Health and Safety: The investigation serves as a mechanism to identify potential systemic issues related to health and safety, with the ultimate goal of preventing future incidents and strengthening institutional support systems for all members. This aligns directly with the targets of SDG 3 to reduce premature mortality through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.

SDGs Addressed in the Article

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

• The article’s primary focus is on the investigation into a Marine’s death by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS). This directly relates to the principles of justice, accountability, and the functioning of law enforcement institutions, which are central to SDG 16. The investigation aims to establish facts and ensure the rule of law is applied.

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

• The article reports a death from “non-combat injuries” and describes it as “medically unattended.” This connects to SDG 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. The death of a young corporal represents a case of premature mortality, and the investigation into its cause is relevant to understanding and preventing such deaths, which could be related to accidents, underlying health conditions, or mental health issues.

Identified SDG Targets

Targets under SDG 16

1. Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere. The article discusses a death, which is a data point for “related death rates.” The investigation by NCIS is a crucial step in determining if violence was a factor and in understanding the circumstances to prevent future deaths.
2. Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all. The formal investigation by NCIS into the death of Cpl. Llanes is a direct application of the rule of law. It represents an institutional process to uncover the truth and deliver justice.
3. Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels. The NCIS is an institution tasked with investigating such incidents. The fact that it is conducting an investigation and its spokeswoman provided a public statement demonstrates a process of accountability and transparency.

Targets under SDG 3

1. Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being. The death of a young Marine from non-combat causes is an instance of premature mortality. The investigation will determine the specific cause, which could fall under non-communicable diseases, accidents, or issues related to mental health and well-being.

Implied SDG Indicators

• Indicator for Target 16.1: The article provides a qualitative indicator: the report of a “non-combat, medically unattended death.” This specific event is a data point that would contribute to official statistics like Indicator 16.1.1 (Number of victims of intentional homicide) or other metrics tracking non-conflict deaths.
• Indicator for Target 16.3: The primary indicator mentioned is the “launch of an investigation by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS).” This action serves as a direct measure of the justice system’s response and the application of the rule of law.
• Indicator for Target 3.4: The article implies an indicator through the report of a “death of a Marine corporal” from non-combat causes. This event is an instance of premature mortality, which is measured by Indicator 3.4.1 (Mortality rate from non-communicable diseases) and 3.4.2 (Suicide mortality rate). The outcome of the investigation would specify which indicator is most relevant.

Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: marinecorpstimes.com