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Strengthening the Sustainable Development Goals through integration with human rights

Author

Listed:
  • Magdalena Bexell

    (Lund University)

  • Thomas Hickmann

    (Lund University)

  • Andrea Schapper

    (University of Stirling)

Abstract

This paper discusses the relationship between the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the long-standing human rights system of the United Nations. Thematically, these two modes of global governance strongly overlap. Several SDGs are in line with human rights obligations. At the same time, the SDGs and human rights are based on divergent logics and constructed very differently. After capturing the key characteristics of the two governance modes, this paper highlights the differences between the SDGs and human rights and introduces a novel conceptualisation to enhance our understanding of the relationship between rights-based and goal-based approaches. Against this backdrop, we assess this relationship and argue that human rights have the potential to strengthen and reinforce the SDGs. In particular, we sketch some future pathways to better integrate the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development with existing human rights instruments to enhance accountability, review, and participation in decision-making in relation to the SDGs.

Suggested Citation

  • Magdalena Bexell & Thomas Hickmann & Andrea Schapper, 2023. "Strengthening the Sustainable Development Goals through integration with human rights," International Environmental Agreements: Politics, Law and Economics, Springer, vol. 23(2), pages 133-139, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:ieaple:v:23:y:2023:i:2:d:10.1007_s10784-023-09605-x
    DOI: 10.1007/s10784-023-09605-x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sakiko Fukuda-Parr & Thea Smaavik Hegstad, 2018. "'Leaving no one behind' as a site of contestaion and reinterpretation," CDP Background Papers 047, United Nations, Department of Economics and Social Affairs.
    2. Magdalena Bexell & Kristina Jönsson, 2022. "Realizing the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development – engaging national parliaments?," Policy Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 43(4), pages 621-639, July.
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    5. Andrea Schapper & Christine Unrau & Sarah Killoh, 2020. "Social mobilization against large hydroelectric dams: A comparison of Ethiopia, Brazil, and Panama," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 28(2), pages 413-423, March.
    6. Andrea Schapper, 2021. "Climate Justice Concerns and Human Rights Trade-Offs in Ethiopia’s Green Economy Transition: The Case of Gibe III," The European Journal of Development Research, Palgrave Macmillan;European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI), vol. 33(6), pages 1952-1972, December.
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