Assessing the Impact of a Right to Sanitation on Improving Levels of Access and Quality of Services: Executive Summary
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Does formal recognition of a right to sanitation (RTS) increase levels of availability and access to quality, affordable and adaptable sanitation services? This study finds that progress towards these goals seems to be faster in countries that have recognised an RTS. It is highly probable that sanitation services in countries seeking to fulfil an RTS will be more equitable and inclusive than elsewhere. However, attributing successes to a rights approach will require better monitoring and evaluation that includes rights-sensitive indicators. A further finding is that what makes formal recognition meaningful is a participatory approach to working to fulfil rights: citizen-state engagement is crucial.
Internationally accepted rights standards require sanitation to be available, accessible and affordable, of acceptable quality and adaptable. When these rights standards are fulfilled, sanitation services will be fully inclusive and equitable, and will be more likely to be sustainable.
There are trade-offs between reaching the largest number of people (working at scale), and making sure services are inclusive (working towards full scale). Front-loaded, heavy investment is required to work for equitable and inclusive sanitation for all people, including the poorest and most marginalised. However, the economic, social and political benefits of equity approach are beginning to be demonstrated. Other findings include the following:
Formal recognition of an RTS can be an important accelerator if it is combined with political drivers that build an enabling environment and support inclusive implementation. Strong legal and regulatory structures and systems are also needed. These include laws and bye-laws, at all levels, on both technical and social issues (such as inclusion and participation), and systems of redress. Further recommendations include the following:
DFID, 2011, 'Assessing the Impact of a Right to Sanitation on Improving Levels of Access and Quality of Services: Executive Summary', DFID in association with Coffey International Development, London
Organisation: Department for International Development (DFID), http://www.dfid.gov.uk