Sustainable Development and Respect for Human Rights: A Complex Relationship of Dependence

Abstract

The recognition of sustainable development(SD) in international law has evolved through several stages. These developments have demonstrated that the human person is central to SD and that SD is closely linked to human rights (HR).

The international community, led by the United Nations (UN), seeks to achieve the SDgoals, which aim to ensure a decent standard of living for all in a healthy environment. However, achieving SD depends on respect for the HR enshrined in various international instruments.