Chapter - The human right to water and its relevance in transboundary contexts - Routledge Handbook of Water Diplomacy
Setting the Research Agenda
Science publication
In the last two decades, there has been significant progress in crystallizing an autonomous human right to water (HR2W) based on the existing international rules and practices of policymakers and stakeholders. The recognition of the HR2W is vital to secure other human rights, such as the right to life, health and well-being.
By Mara Tignino, Tadesse Kebebew and Christian Bréthaut
After briefly introducing the human rights discourse on water, this chapter explores the emergence of the HR2W and its legal basis and examines the scope and nature of the right. It also probes the implications of recognizing the HR2W, including the context of transboundary watercourses and the potential challenges to realizing the right. It further underscores the need for careful application of the HR2W to accommodate the concerns of different actors in negotiations on the use and management of water resources.
Key takeaways
- Despite the enormous progress made in recognizing and defining the scope and nature of the
human rights to water and sanitation, there is still a long way to go in terms of ensuring universal
access to water services as envisioned in the SDG Goal 6. - The recognition of the human right to water (HR2W) could open opportunities for international
cooperation and assistance, contribute to structuring transboundary water cooperation and
become a guiding principle at the basin level. - There are challenges in the implementation of the right to water at the domestic and international
levels. - At the international level, the general concept of ‘progressive realization’ may represent a
challenge; at the domestic level, the lack of sufficient human and financial resources and weak
laws, policies and strategies may hamper the implementation of the HR2W.
