UNDERSTANDING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT VIA HUMAN RIGHTS APPROACH

Social Science and International Relation

Abstract Human Rights are an inseparable part of human lives. Therefore they need protection to sustain and to be achieved by all individuals irrespective of differences. Hence without protection and an environment in which to sustain, rights become meaningless. Thus all the aspects of rights comes with the understanding that every individual should pledge for the protection of other’s rights too. This sense of respect and acknowledging other’s rights paved the way for sustainable development. Originates from the 1987 Brundtland Report, sustainable development becomes a part of popular language and agenda for the protection of life on earth. Sustainable development means the developments that fulfill our need without curtailing the ability of future generations to fulfill their own. Therefore, it is clear that human rights and sustainable development is integrated and interactive. For instance, if a person feels his right of a healthy life is challenged by environmental degradation, human rights can provide a platform to seek protection against the damage. There are three pillars of sustainable development: socio-cultural, economic and environmental systems. The current literature lacks various aspects to be included in the paradigm of sustainable development. The social inclusion of poor, women, minorities, refugees, labor class and indigenous people in a healthy environment is necessary to achieve protection against human rights violation. This article is an attempt to understand the concept of sustainable development through human rights approach. Also, it analyzed how lack of social inclusion and degradation of environment creates hurdles in the way of achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which becomes the agenda of United Nations for 2015-2030 as major point of reference to all aspect of development and human security.

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