As we observe the International Day of Peace on 21 September, we are reminded of the profound importance of peace as a fundamental human right and a foundation for human development. Peace is not merely the absence of conflict, but a state of harmony, safety and mutual respect where individuals and societies can thrive.

It is also a key focus of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 16, which aims to promote peaceful and inclusive societies, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable institutions at all levels. However, the pervasive presence of crime poses a significant barrier to achieving these global aspirations.

In South Africa, crime has become an unfortunate reality that affects every corner of society. High rates of violent crime, including homicides, armed robberies and gender-based violence, have instilled in citizens a pervasive sense of fear and insecurity. This environment of fear undermines SDG 16, as it erodes trust in public institutions and diminishes the sense of community that is necessary for inclusive, peaceful societies. When people feel unsafe in their own neighbourhoods, the social cohesion that is essential for peace to thrive is disrupted.

Crime also hampers economic development, which has a direct impact on SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and exacerbates inequality, challenging the progress toward SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). In South Africa, the economic impact of crime is profound, with businesses bearing the brunt of security costs and losses due to theft and vandalism. The resulting economic instability disproportionately affects the most vulnerable, trapping them in a cycle of poverty and marginalisation. This fuels more crime, creating a vicious cycle that impedes the country’s progress towards peace and prosperity.

Globally, the impact of crime extends beyond national borders, threatening international peace and security. Transnational organised crime – including human trafficking, drug smuggling and cybercrime – undermines global stability and governance. These sorts of criminal networks exploit vulnerabilities in countries, corrupting institutions and fuelling violence, directly contradicting the aims of SDG 16. For instance, human trafficking not only violates the fundamental rights of individuals but also perpetuates social instability by fostering conditions where exploitation thrives.

International cooperation is crucial in combating transnational crime, aligning with SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). This requires countries to work together to share intelligence, harmonising legal frameworks and enhancing border security. Additionally, global efforts must address the socio-economic conditions that foster crime, such as poverty, lack of education and systemic corruption, thereby supporting multiple SDGs.

Moreover, crime contributes to forced migration and displacement, as individuals and communities flee violence and insecurity in search of safer environments. This movement of people often leads to tensions in host communities and can strain international relations, challenging efforts to achieve global peace and security. Addressing the root causes of crime becomes integral to fostering global peace and achieving SDG 16, which emphasises the need for reducing violence, combating organised crime and strengthening the rule of law.

The impact of crime on peace is not only physical but also psychological. It creates a climate of fear and mistrust, eroding the sense of safety and well-being that is essential for peaceful coexistence. This psychological toll can lead to a normalisation of violence, making it harder to mobilise collective action for peacebuilding and hindering progress towards a world where SDG 16 can be realised.

Addressing the impact of crime on peace requires a multifaceted approach. At the domestic level, there must be a concerted effort to strengthen law enforcement and the justice system to ensure accountability and deterrence, aligning with SDG 16’s goal of providing access to justice for all. However, policing alone is not enough. Crime prevention must also focus on addressing the social and economic inequalities that drive individuals toward criminal activities. This involves creating opportunities for education, employment and social integration, particularly for marginalised groups, thus supporting the achievement of SDGs 8 and 10.

Crime undermines the foundations upon which peaceful societies are built, and perpetuates cycles of violence and insecurity. Achieving lasting peace requires us to tackle crime in all its forms, understanding that true peace is more than the absence of war – it is the presence of justice, security and opportunity for all, as envisioned in the SDGSs.

In South Africa and around the world, building a peaceful future necessitates a commitment to combating crime through comprehensive and inclusive strategies. We must work together to create societies where individuals are free of fear, where economic and social systems support the well-being of all, and where the rule of law upholds the dignity and rights of every person. Only then can we hope to achieve the lasting peace that we celebrate today and move closer to realising the global vision set forth by the SDGs.

Dr Mary Mangai, a senior lecturer at the School of Public Management and Administration at the University of Pretoria. Dr Mangai’s research centres on co-production in crime prevention and public safety, the co-creation of knowledge in crime prevention and violence, and how to foster collaborative efforts to achieve safer communities.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in the article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the University of Pretoria.