Underlying principles
The human rights approach to development draws on the core underlying principles of human rights – equality, non-discrimination, justice, participation, empowerment and accountability – as well as on the specific legal standards relating to individual rights and good development practice.
The specific standards concerning the right to water have been enunciated in General Comment No. 15 and include the right of everyone to sufficient, continuous, safe, acceptable, physically accessible and affordable water for all based on non-discrimination and adequate access to information concerning water issues.
The human rights approach is based on recognition that everyone is entitled to their human rights by virtue of being human – the universality of human rights.
The approach requires participation of individuals in the decisions that affect their lives. It also requires access to information and transparent government, so that people can hold their governments accountable for the implementation of these obligations.
| Foundation Principles
Human Dignity Equality
Justice Participation Rule of Law
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Process Principles
Inclusive Non-discrimination Equality of opportunity Distributive justice Participation Transparency & Access to information Simultaneous top-down and bottom up approach
Focus on poorest and most vulnerable
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Outcomes
Empowerment Equitable access to public resources Gender equity Disparity reduction Participation and more equitable power relationships Development process locally owned Strengthened law, policy and community empowerment Sustainability Legal redress Accountability |
| Legal Standards
Accountability |
Capacity building of rights holders and duty bearers
Accountability |
