Linking The Sdgs With Human Rights: Opportunities And Challenges Of Promoting Goal 17

Abstract

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is grounded in different
international human rights instruments. Human rights (HR) principles and
standards are strongly reflected in several of the Sustainable Development
Goals (SDGs) and targets. Furthermore, SDG 17 emphasizes partnership as a
key to achieving all of the SDGs. This article examines the SDGs-HR linkage
in general, as well as specific HR principles that can be advanced by the
achievement of SDG 17. Opportunities and challenges to promote Goal 17 of
the SDGs that directly affect certain HRs are also examined. A review of
relevant literature, 2030 summit documents, and outcomes of recent
international conferences on the SDGs is undertaken in order to determine
the progress made towards forging regional and global partnerships for the
SDGs, as envisaged in Goal 17. This article finds that the absence of a political
will and commitment, increased isolationist policy, narrow nationalism and
poor rule linkage at national and international levels are some of the obstacles
to the attainment of Goal 17. Yet, opportunities abound to promote the Goal.
The article recommends a genuine commitment to implementing the SDGs
by encouraging the South-South and North-South to prevent the SDGs from
becoming a mere wishlist. Synergy between the government, individuals,
civil society organizations (CSOs) and transnational corporations (TNCs) is
equally very important.