Law Education and Human Rights: Doğuş University’s Faculty of Law is a driving force for SDG 16. Its curriculum covers not only national laws but also international law, human rights, and ethics. Law students are trained to value the rule of law and the protection of the vulnerable. They participate in moot court competitions, simulating trials and human rights cases, which hone their advocacy skills and understanding of justice. By graduating skilled, conscientious lawyers, the university contributes to stronger legal institutions and access to justice. 

Student Clubs – Legal Awareness: Active law-related student clubs foster dialogue on peace and justice. The Doğuş Law Club regularly organizes conferences and panels on current legal issues – from constitutional rights to freedom of expression. Another group, the Liberty and Justice Club, invites speakers (judges, prosecutors, NGO leaders) to discuss topics like judicial reform and social justice. These activities cultivate an informed student body that values peace, justice, and good governance. 

Justice in Action: Doğuş students don’t just learn theory – they observe and assist in real institutions. In late 2021, under faculty supervision, Law Club students visited the Maltepe Juvenile Closed Prison in Istanbul. They learned first-hand about rehabilitation programs for young offenders and the importance of humane treatment in the justice system. Such visits strengthen students’ commitment to building fair institutions and respect for the rule of law, aligning with Goal 16. Furthermore, some law students intern with courthouses and legal aid organizations, contributing to providing legal services to those who cannot afford them (advancing justice for all). 

Campus Governance and Ethics: Internally, Doğuş University models strong institutional practices. The university governance is transparent – rules and decisions (from disciplinary actions to budgeting) are made with accountability and communicated openly. There is a student council that gives students a voice in university affairs, reflecting inclusive decision-making. DOU also has a published Code of Ethics and an ethics committee, ensuring academic and administrative integrity. By maintaining accountability and anti-corruption measures at the institutional level, the university lives the values of SDG 16 and provides a microcosm of how strong institutions operate. 

ISO Certifications: To further strengthen institutional quality, Doğuş University has attained internationally recognized ISO certifications for its management systems. These include ISO 9001 (Quality Management) and ISO 21001 (Educational Organization Management) for its academic and administrative processes, as well as ISO 14001 (Environmental Management) and ISO 50001 (Energy Management) for its campus operations (https://kalite.dogus.edu.tr/en ). By implementing these global standards, the university ensures effective governance, continual improvement, and sustainability in its practices. Such certifications attest to Doğuş University’s commitment to excellence, accountability, and environmental responsibility – hallmarks of a strong institution supporting SDG 16. 

Promoting Peace and Tolerance: In a broader sense, the university encourages a peaceful and tolerant campus culture. Conflicts or grievances are addressed through dialogue or mediation programs offered by the Psychological Counseling Center. Intercultural events (bringing Turkish and international students together) and seminars on conflict resolution equip students with skills for peaceful dispute resolution. These efforts nurture peace at the community level and prepare students to be ambassadors of peaceful coexistence and strong institutions in their future workplaces and communities. 

Research and Projects Highlights:

• Legal Clinic Project: Doğuş University’s Law Faculty operates a Legal Aid Clinic (started as a pilot project in 2021) where law students, under faculty supervision, provide pro-bono legal counseling to underprivileged community members. The project doubled as research on access to justice – data on cases and outcomes were analyzed to identify common legal barriers faced by vulnerable groups. The findings (e.g. complexity of procedures, lack of legal literacy) were shared in a 2022 conference on justice reform. This practical project advances SDG 16 by both delivering justice services and generating research to strengthen legal institutions and fairness

• TÜBİTAK Social Science Project: A TÜBİTAK-funded study (2020) by DOU political science researchers compared youth civic engagement across regions of Türkiye. It examined factors like education, social media use, and trust in institutions in shaping youth involvement in peaceful activism. The study’s recommendations – such as enhancing civic education curricula – were presented to the Ministry of Education. By fostering informed and active citizenship, this research supports peaceful societies and strong institutions (SDG 16). 

Selected Sample Publications:

• Migration and Justice Research: “Populist securitization of migration…” (2025) – It addresses social cohesion and the rule of law regarding refugee rights. The research suggests that upholding justice for migrant groups is key to preventing conflict and maintaining inclusive societies.