SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS AND MODERN CRIMES
AUTHORS – P.GOKULAPRIYA* & M. NIRMALA**
* GUEST FACULTY AT GOVERNMENT LAW COLLEGE, SALEM
** ASSISTANT PROFESSOR AT GOVERNMENT LAW COLLEGE, TRICHY
BEST CITATION – P.GOKULAPRIYA & M. NIRMALA, SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS AND MODERN CRIMES, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 5 (8) OF 2025, PG. 670-676, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.
ABSTRACT
In 2015, the United Nations recognized the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a globally accepted framework for tackling critical social, environmental, and economic challenges. However, the growth of modern crimes like cybercrime, human trafficking, fraud, and environmental offenses presents major obstacles to achieving these goals.
Modern crimes threaten the SDGs in various ways. For instance, cybercrime weakens institutions (SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) and disrupts economic stability (SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth). Human trafficking exploits vulnerable groups, violating basic human rights (SDGs 5: Gender Equality, SDG 8, and SDG 16). Corruption erodes public trust and hampers efforts to eliminate poverty (SDG 1: No Poverty) and reduce inequality (SDG 10). Environmental crimes, such as illegal deforestation and pollution, directly affect SDGs 13 (Climate Action), 14 (Life Below Water), and 15 (Life on Land).
To address these threats, governments, businesses, and civil society must collaborate to enforce laws, enhance cybersecurity, promote transparency, and advance education. International cooperation is essential to combat transnational crimes and ensure justice. Integrating crime prevention strategies into the SDG framework is vital for achieving a sustainable and secure future.
By addressing modern crimes through sustainable policies and effective law enforcement, societies can ensure progress towards the SDGs while fostering peace, prosperity, and environmental preservation.
KEY WORDS: United Nations, Sustainable Development Goals, Millennium Development Goals, Contemporary Crimes, Cybercrime, Human Trafficking, and Environmental Offenses.