Goal 16: Peace, justice & strong institutions

Peace and justice are deeply embedded in the Victoria University ethos. We are the university of opportunity and success, committed to bringing together the diverse strands of our community – so all can benefit from the strength of those strands woven together.

Many of our programs directly promote inclusion, such as 'Aspire', originally for female Muslim leaders, and now extended to other community groups, and Moondani Balluk's Indigenous support and research.

In addition, we conduct research with direct policy outcomes to tackle the causes of crime and terrorist activity – with the aim of creating a more peaceful society.

Structural injustices, inequalities and emerging human rights challenges are putting peaceful and inclusive societies further out of reach. To meet SDG16 by 2030, action is needed to restore trust and to strengthen the capacity of institutions to secure justice for all and facilitate transitions to drive sustainable development.
– United Nations

Research groups addressing Goal 16

soldiers in public

Preventing & countering violent extremism research

This research group develops and advances scientific knowledge about the human impact and causes of violent extremism.

Stronger communities innovation hub

The collaborative research undertaken in the Stronger Communities Innovation Hub will improve the health, wellbeing and resilience of communities in Melbourne’s west.

Law, justice & criminology research

We research the interconnectedness between law and criminology, through exploring the issues that contemporary societies face.

Sir Zelman Cowen Centre (SZCC)

The centre provides legal education, training and research – with a particular focus on law and cultural diversity.

Mitchell Institute

The Mitchell Institute focuses on improving our education and health systems so more Australians can engage with and benefit from these services, supporting a healthier, fairer and more productive soc

Celeste Young and Roger Jones

Policy & economics research

Knowledge base for effective policy responses to key issues the world is facing in health, education, quality of the environment, level of equality in the distribution of resources and endowment

Programs addressing Goal 16

Sons & Daughters of the West

This 10-week initiative helps people address health and well-being and prevent disease. VU is a key partner in this comprehensive program hosted by the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation.

Aspire: Governance & Leadership program for Future Leaders

Aspire was designed for Muslim women who hold, or would like to hold, leadership or board roles in Muslim community organisations or societies with a large Muslim membership.

Alek, a participant of the Victoria Police Cultural Inclusion Recruitment Program, receiving her Certificate of Participation in the program from Superintendent Mark Porter.

Victoria Police Diversity Recruitment Program

The Victoria Police Diversity Recruitment Program is focused on expanding employment outcomes for people from African-Australian, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) and refugee backgrounds.

Moondani Balluk Indigenous Academic Unit

VU's Moondani Balluk Indigenous Academic Unit supports Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander students to achieve excellence at university and in their careers.

Diversity & inclusion

The more diverse perspectives, identities, cultural backgrounds, ages and experience of our staff and students, the better our working environment, research and educational experience.

Program will empower migrants and refugees in Melbourne's west through sport

The Change Makers program widens community participation of under-represented groups in sport clubs.

A young man assisting a group of adults with disability to play basketball

Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) partnership

Aspect is Australia’s largest provider of autism-specific services and school programs. This alliance will be their first partnership with a university on its campus.

Koori Courts study

Victoria University's Sir Zelman Cowen Centre (SZCC) documents the experiences of key players who helped establish Victoria’s Koori Court early 20 years ago.

VU stories

Gaining global perspectives

Bachelor of Criminal Justice

"I chose the Bachelor of Criminal Justice at VU because I’m interested in human rights and criminal psychology – finding out why people behave the way they do."

I chose the Bachelor of Criminal Justice at VU because I’m interested in human rights and criminal psychology – finding out why people behave the way they do.

Leading the way in migration law

Graduate Diploma in Migration Law

"Seeing people successfully settling into the country, embracing the diverse culture and prospering economically gives me the highest level of satisfaction."

Seeing people successfully settling into the country, embracing the diverse culture and prospering economically gives me the highest level of satisfaction.

A creative approach to law

Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Arts

"I chose Victoria University because of its inclusion and diversity. I felt a sense of belonging and was moved by the amount of support I received from lecturers and students in the early days, when I needed it most."

I chose Victoria University because of its inclusion and diversity. I felt a sense of belonging and was moved by the amount of support I received from lecturers and students in the early days, when I needed it most.