ABSTRACT
In the last two decades, there has been significant progress in crystallizing an autonomous human right to water (HR2W) based on the existing international rules and practices of policymakers and stakeholders. The recognition of the HR2W is vital to secure other human rights, such as the right to life, health and well-being. After briefly introducing the human rights discourse on water, this chapter explores the emergence of the HR2W and its legal basis and examines the scope and nature of the right. It also probes the implications of recognizing the HR2W, including the context of transboundary watercourses and the potential challenges to realizing the right. It further underscores the need for careful application of the HR2W to accommodate the concerns of different actors in negotiations on the use and management of water resources.
