The Human Right to Water and International Economic Law

This book explores the international right to water and the liberalization of water services, assessing the compatibility between the two under different international legal regimes. It is a valuable resource for academics, researchers, and policy-makers in these fields.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 294 pages
Publication date: 29 January 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate interplay between the international right to water and the liberalization of water services. It explores the harmonization of the right to water with the legal frameworks governing the privatization of water services, a topic that has sparked intense debate among proponents and opponents of utility privatization. The book offers a balanced and objective analysis of various international legal regimes, including international investment law, international trade law, and European Union law, to assess the potential for guaranteeing the core aspects of the right to water within these systems and identifying opportunities for harmonization.

Academics, researchers, and policymakers engaged in the fields of International Human Rights Law, International Economic Law, International Water Law, International Trade Law, and EU Law will find this work to be an invaluable resource. It provides a thorough examination of the complex legal dimensions of water privatization, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities that arise in this realm.

The book begins by providing a foundational understanding of the international right to water, its historical development, and its fundamental principles. It then delves into the complexities of harmonizing the right to water with the legal frameworks governing water services liberalization. The author examines the various legal frameworks in detail, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses in ensuring the protection of the right to water.

One of the key themes of the book is the tension between the public interest and private profit in the water sector. The author explores how the liberalization of water services can potentially undermine the public's access to clean and affordable water, particularly in developing countries. They argue that the privatization of water services can lead to increased water tariffs, reduced service quality, and the concentration of water resources in the hands of a few private companies.

To address these concerns, the book proposes several pathways for harmonization between international human rights law and international economic law. The author suggests that international human rights law can provide a framework for protecting the right to water, while international economic law can promote sustainable and equitable water services liberalization. The book also explores the role of international institutions, such as the United Nations, in promoting harmonization and ensuring that the right to water is protected at the global level.

Throughout the book, the author employs a rigorous legal analysis and employs a wealth of empirical evidence to support their arguments. The book is well-organized, accessible, and engaging, making it an essential resource for students, scholars, and practitioners in the field of water law.

In conclusion, this book is a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate about the compatibility of the international right to water and the liberalization of water services. It provides a comprehensive and nuanced analysis of the legal frameworks governing water privatization, highlighting the challenges and opportunities for harmonization. By examining the interplay between international human rights law and international economic law, the book offers a valuable roadmap for ensuring that the right to water is protected and promoted in the context of water services liberalization.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367617714