Marie Michael Library

Unpacking rights and wrongs: Do human rights make a difference? The case of water rights in India and South Africa

Mehta, Lyla

This paper focuses on why poor and marginalised people still lack access to economic, social and cultural rights. The paper explores the right to water in South Africa and the forced displacement caused by the Narmada dams in India. It examines local-level dynamics of rights grievances and claims and argues there is inconsistency between policy and practice around rights practice and violation. The paper highlights the need for accountability as an aspect of the human rights regime.