A human rights-based approach to implementing Target 11.6 of Sustainable Development Goal 11 in Zimbabwe

In its quest to deal with sustainability challenges continuously posed by rapid urbanisation, the international community reinvigorated the role of local governments as co-global actors in pursuance of the global sustainable development agenda by dedicating to cities Sustainable Development Coal 11 (SDC 11) of the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. SDC 11 is accompanied by ten time-bound targets directed towards making cities and human settlements across the world inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable by 2030. Reports reveal that Zimbabwe, among other countries, is struggling to give effect to these targets, including Target 11.6 which requires local authorities to contribute towards reducing 'the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities'. Struggling with this target has implications for the enjoyment of environmental rights, among other fundamental rights. As such, using a human rights-based approach, this article explores how the right to a healthy environment entrenched in the 2013 Constitution of Zimbabwe can be used to pursue Target 11.6. Although the huge potential of the human rights-based approach remains untapped in Zimbabwe, the article argues that its adoption in relation to Target 11.6 appears, in theory, to be the most appropriate means for the enjoyment of the right to a healthy environment as local authorities have a shared responsibility to adhere to human rights norms and standards. In light of the commendable precedents set by the judiciary in some cases, local authorities are recommended to consider the implication of legal provisions on the right to a healthy environment in the process of exercising their legislative or executive powers directed towards the realisation of Target 11.6.