Tackling inequality through the Sustainable Development Goals: human rights in practice

Abstract

ABSTRACTIn recent years, economic inequality has soared to unprecedented levels, presenting new threats to the full spectrum of human rights. Against this backdrop, Agenda 2030 includes a Goal aiming to reduce inequalities of all kinds, within and between countries. One of the most transformational aspects of the new sustainable development agenda, SDG10 has the potential to deliver an urgently needed paradigm shift in how development efforts are pursued to realise human rights and reduce inequality. This article analyses the strengths and shortcomings of SDG10 from a human rights perspective, and explores the political vulnerability of the Goal and the prospects for its implementation. It then explains how human rights norms, standards and tools can help to inform and guide actions towards these commitments, including how human rights monitoring mechanisms can play a role in tracking progress and providing a space for accountability.