Interpreting ‘Vital Human Needs’ under the UNWC

Abstract

In the context of water scarcity exacerbated by climate change, clarification of the concept of ‘vital human needs’ versus the right to water as found in General Comment No. 15 and SDG Target 6.1, is needed to determine who enjoys vital human needs for what and whether or not vital human needs are prioritized. The article concludes that parallel concepts in General Comment No. 15 and the SDG Target 6.1 can help clarify the meaning and scope of the highly obscure term ‘vital human needs’ for water under article 10(2) of the UN Watercourses Convention.