SDGs for better protection of Human Rights
The SDGs are built upon the success of the MDGs and they came into force officially on 1 January, 2016. There are 17 Sustainable Development Goals in the 2030 Agenda for ensuring sustainable development for our world. If we carefully notice all the goals, we will find a delicate equilibrium among them with special focus on eradication of poverty; this makes us to believe that the world leaders were persuaded to believe that poverty eradication must form the basis for conceptualising as well as realising other strategies for better protection of human rights.
The 1st goal speaks of abolition of poverty and by implementing this, we can go on to achieve the 2nd goal which speaks for zero hunger. Gradually goal no. 3, 4 and 6 ensure good health and well being, quality education, clean water and sanitation. Clean water and sanitation, as a unit, is of immense significance. Because a healthy life is the manifestation of adequate standard of living, which is one of the basic human rights and the same can be achieved by a proper implementation of the SDGs.
Furthermore, sexual and reproductive health is another important area to work on for SDGs. Subsequently, the gender equality goals come in (goals nos 5,10,16). The 5th goal categorically speaks of gender equality in every sphere of our life which can only be realised through ensuring equal participation of male and female in all sectors of society. And the 10th goal speaks of reducing inequality(ies) and disparities within the society to promote economic inclusion regardless of sex, race, ethnicity. Goal no. 16 which speaks of peace, justice and strong institutions is significant because without peace, stability and effective governance on the basis of rule of law, the entire structure can fall apart. Goal no. 13 manifests the theme of intergenerational equity.
Only a concerted effort of human rights implementing bodies and activists can directly assess and guide the 17 goals and 169 associated targets of SDGs. And upon successful implementation of the SDGs, we can ensure the fruition of human rights.
The writer is a Student of Law, University of Dhaka.
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