Abstract
The Human Rights-Based Approach to Development (RBA) puts human rights at the heart of human development. It sets the achievement of human rights obligations as an objective of development aid and integrates human rights principles into the development process. Based on the experience of development agencies and using the right to water as an example, this article identifies the practical implications and added value of the RBA. The RBA establishes the obligations of States to ensure that basic water needs are met and empowers communities to claim their right; it identifies and addresses the root causes for lack of access to water; and it places people at the centre of the development process. Translating this complex approach into practice is challenging. Yet taking the extra steps to adopt the RBA will improve the overall impact and sustainability of development aid.