Abstract
In Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG6), also known as the ‘water goal’, one finds various (implicit) references to the internationally recognized human right to water. The aim of this paper is to further explore those linkages. More specifically, the main research question is the following: in what way does SDG6 facilitate local level implementation of the international human right to water, and does SDG6 call for a more sustainable interpretation of that human right? First, a brief overview is provided of the drafting process of SDG6, which took place in the period from 2013 to 2015, with a focus on suggested insertions into that SDG, of references to the human right to water and to local implementation. Then, the actual text of SDG6, as finally adopted in 2015, is analyzed in more detail. SDG6 is subjected to a textual analysis, in which the language of SDG6 is compared with authoritative codifications of the human right to water in the sources of international law, primarily treaties. This is followed by a brief and preliminary analysis of the monitoring and implementation process of SDG6, which began after its adoption in 2015, and will continue until the SDGs reach their expiration date in 2030. The paper ends with a conclusion.
Highlights
In Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG6), known as the ‘water goal’, one finds various references to the internationally recognized human right to water
The aim of this paper was to demonstrate that various phrases in SDG6, the ‘water goal’, can be interpreted as encouragements, directed at States, to comply with their obligations to respect, protect and fulfil the internationally recognized human right to water, and interpret this right in a more sustainable manner
This is supported by the travaux préparatoires, from which we concluded that the drafters of SDG6 deliberately used language that reminds us of internationally recognized human rights
Summary
In Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG6), known as the ‘water goal’, one finds various (implicit) references to the internationally recognized human right to water. A textual analysis of the sustainable human right to water and of SDG6 and its targets is provided, focusing on possibilities for cross-influence and cross-fertilization. SDG6 can best be approached as the core of an aspirational framework through which States can effectively comply with their international legal obligation to ensure to everyone within their jurisdiction the enjoyment of his or her human right to water.[4] In other words, the aim of the SDG-process was to find a common language to further develop and implement human rights and sustainability ambitions. Mention must be made of the general pledge all States made, when adopting the SDGs, ‘that no one will be left behind’.12 This meant that: Recognizing that the dignity of the human person is fundamental, we wish to see the Goals and targets met for all nations and peoples and for all segments of society. Transforming our world (n 8) para 4. Ibid
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