The concept of justice in managing water resources arises from the competing, and sometimes, conflicting demands for water. The human rights system offers an important point of entry to streamline water governance and provide coherence both in the sphere of environmental sustainability and in terms of human development. A Human Rights Based Approach (HRBA) to Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) offers a normative and legal framework to define the rights and obligations of different categories of institutions and for the allocation of scarce freshwater resources in society
This virtual course offers participants an introduction to the main principles and concepts for a human rights based approach to IWRM, as an essential condition to improve access to water and sanitation and achieve the post 2015 Sustainable Development Goals.
To create awareness and strengthen the base for a Human Rights Based Approach to IWRM, giving due regard to efficiency, equity and sustainability considerations, against competing water uses and water stress.
Learning objectives:
By the end of the course participants will:
have an updated approach and review of the main concepts and principles of IWRM, HRBA and water governance;
understand the need for a rights based approach for IWRM including recognizing the difference between a water right and the right to water;
review examples of good practices related to promoting HRBA to IWRM and establish a tool for the implementation of HRBA to IWRM;
have access to updated quality materials in support of specific subject areas for human rights and water management.
Approach:
The course embraces the concept of problem based learning and change management, oriented to understanding and implementing drivers and strategies for sustainable water management.
Participants:
The course is opened to a maximum of 40 participants representing various stakeholder groups from the entire water sector:
Stakeholders and professionals forming part of water management, civil society, river basin or international organizations; development programmes and members of UN organizations; and representatives of the private sector;
decision makers, policy makers, and high-level professionals and managers active in governmental bodies;
capacity developers active in the fields of sustainable water management, Integrated Water Resources Management, Human Rights Based Approaches, amongst others.
As an introductory course, participants are not expected to have previous knowledge on Human Rights Based Approaches.
There is no course fee; participants will be selected by the organizing committee based on gender, professional background, and geographic balance, as well as on their motivation and commitment to participate throughout the entire course.
Interested participants must complete the online registration form and submit the following documents to virtualcampus@cap-net.org with subject "A HRBA to IWRM virtual course registration", before Friday, September 4, 2015:
Required. A 1-page profile, describing: educational and professional background; experience in water resources management, water capacity development, or decision making; participation in networks and/or alliances; any other relevant information related to the course subject.
Required. A 1-page motivation and commitment letter: explaining your interest in participating in the course; availability to dedicate at least 4 hours per week during the course duration and participate in the course activities; and your expectations in terms how will you apply and share the acquired contents in your field of work and with your colleagues.
Optional. A 1-page letter of institutional support: through which the institution where you work expresses interest in your participation in the course; explains why this will be
Language:
The course will be conducted in English. Cap-Net´s virtual courses will be available in other languages soon.
Contents and Course Structure:
The course is structured by modules. Each module will run over 10 days (1.5 weeks), during which course participants must read basic contents and participate in suggested activities.
Course features:
In all 5 modules, participants are expected to:
Read the basic contents in each module
Participate in online forum discussions
Prepare an individual or group exercise
Respond –by the end of the module- a set of multiple choice questions
Optional: Participate in a live session
Participants will also have access to other (optional) recommended readings, videos, and web links.
Participants expected dedication:
Participants are expected to dedicate a minimum of 4 hours per week to the course. This is estimated on the basis of 1 hour per day (4 days a week), or two connections per week, each one of 2 hours. In total, this should add to 40 hours for the full course, in line with a 5-days face to face course.
This time dedication should be enough to review base contents and participate in all activities (forums, exercises, multiple choices). Participants who wish to read other suggested readings and related videos will require a bit more time.
Facilitators and training materials:
Course contents will be facilitated by a team of specialists representing the WaterLex, UNDP Water Governance Facility at SIWI, REDICA, and Cap-Net UNDP.
The concept of justice in managing water resources arises from the competing, and sometimes, conflicting demands for water. The human rights system offers an important point of entry to streamline water governance and provide coherence both in the sphere of environmental sustainability and in terms of human development. A Human Rights Based Approach (HRBA) to Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) offers a normative and legal framework to define the rights and obligations of different categories of institutions and for the allocation of scarce freshwater resources in society
