The objective of this brief is to introduce a human rights framework for water integrity and transparency. This will strengthen the capacities of public authorities and civil society organisations to address water transparency effectively, while fulfilling a mandate on the human right to water and complying with human rights obligations. The right to safe drinking water and sanitation was recognised in 2010 by the General Assembly of the United Nations and the Human Rights Council. The resolutions of these two institutions serve as a reminder to states that equal access to safe drinking water and sanitation for all is a national priority.

A rights-based approach has also sharpened the lens through which corruption and its negative impact on water and sanitation can be evaluated. The issue of corruption has become an increasing concern among UN human rights mechanisms, such as treaty bodies, special procedures and the Universal Periodic Review. Currently, water transparency and water integrity on one hand, and the realisation of the human right to water and sanitation on the other, are pursued along parallel tracks. Combating corruption and realising human rights are, however, mutually reinforcing. Eliminating corruption is essential for the full realisation of human rights principles in water and sanitation, and can drastically reduce the space in which opportunity for corrupt
practices may occur.