In a previous post here, we discussed the Millennium Development goals and their focus on human rights. But exactly how will the Millennium Development Goals be implemented and who will be responsible for this implementation?
In order for the implementation of policies and/or programs to be successful, it is helpful if there is a clear guide outlining who is accountable, for what they are accountable, and how the accountability will be monitored. Without such a guide, it is difficult to be organized and clearly follow a path to successful implementation.
In the past, accountability for human rights has mainly been shown as governments being accountable to those they govern. Accountability appears to be the cornerstone for the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) and has three dimensions: Responsibility, Answer, and Enforcement.
The MDG can offer a potential step forward for three reasons. First, when framed in terms of responsibility to human rights, accountability becomes a matter of legal obligation rather than charity or discretion. Second, by putting human rights principles at the center of the process of setting new goals, it fosters active participation of all involved. Third, by giving power to those marginalized, they gain the ability to enforce rights and seek redress for the wrongs committed against them.
THE MDg recognize that there is not one individual, country, corporation or entity that is solely accountable for human rights impacts. Instead, a web of players need to be accountable for the various aspects of the MDG. One person or player cannot fix the atrocities that have been committed in the past, but rather ALL must work together to make the necessary changes.
The full publication on accountability for the MDG can be found here.
