Acting Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer and Director Rachel Rossi of the Office for Access to Justice participated in the United Nations (UN) High Level Political Forum in New York this past week as part of the official U.S. delegation. The forum, a platform for reviewing progress on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, focused on UN Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG 16), which aims to establish peaceful and inclusive societies, provide access to justice for all, and build effective institutions.
On July 11, Acting Associate Attorney General Mizer delivered the United States National Statement on UN SDG 16, highlighting efforts to advance equal access to justice. He met with various stakeholders, including foreign officials and civil society organizations, to discuss cooperation on access to justice.
On July 16, Director Rossi participated in an informal listening session convened by the Robert and Helen Bernstein Institute for Human Rights at New York University School of Law. This session allowed her to connect with community leaders and hear their reflections on SDG 16's goals. Participating organizations included Jailhouse Lawyer Initiative, Common Justice organization, Hour Children, Perlmutter Center for Legal Justice at Cardozo Law School, Women Who Never Give Up, Center for Institutional and Social Change at Columbia Law School, Defying Legal Gravity Paralegal Pathways Initiative at Columbia Law School Bronx Defenders Columbia Center for Justice CUNY Law Formerly Incarcerated Law Student Association.
Following this session, Director Rossi gave welcoming remarks at the U.S. side event “Turning the Tide: Scaling SDG for the Future Reinforcing Access to Justice and Advancing Democracy.” The event highlighted sustainable approaches employed by governments and stakeholders to advance SDG 16 implementation.
The Office for Access to Justice hosted a convening to discuss how it can better serve as a connector among cross-sector stakeholders. Attendees discussed regular engagement strategies to generate knowledge inspire action ensure visibility across efforts and connect data to policy advancing equal access to justice. Director Rossi provided remarks outlining the office's role in supporting SDG 16.3 promoting rule of law nationally and internationally ensuring access to justice.
Director Rossi also met with the Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers discussing SDG 16's role in advancing human rights globally.