Human Rights and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Human rights and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) are closely intertwined, with human rights principles serving as a foundation for the achievement of the goals. 146.
The UNSDGs are grounded in international human rights documents, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and related Covenants, Conventions, Protocols, and Declarations26. More than 90% of the targets of the UNSDGs directly reflect elements of international human rights and labor standards3.
A human rights-based approach (HRBA) is required to guide United Nations development cooperation, and it focuses on developing the capacities of both ‘duty-bearers’ to meet their obligations, and ‘rights-holders’ to claim their rights1. The HRBA requires human rights principles, such as universality, indivisibility, equality and non-discrimination, participation, and accountability, to guide United Nations development cooperation1.
Human rights are essential to achieving sustainable development that leaves no one behind and are central to all its three dimensions – social, environmental, and economic5. The pledge to “leave no one behind” mirrors the fundamental human rights principles of non-discrimination and equality3.
The potential to bridge the accountability and implementation gap through aligning UNSDG and human rights reporting and follow-up offers itself to UNSDG and human rights reporting and follow-up at national as well as regional and international levels3.
In conclusion, human rights are essential to achieving sustainable development, as they provide a framework for ensuring that development is inclusive, equitable, and sustainable. The UNSDGs recognize the importance of human rights in achieving sustainable development, and it is important to continue to prioritize human rights in development efforts. The UNSDGs are grounded in international human rights documents, and the HRBA requires human rights principles to guide United Nations development cooperation.
