The MDGs Archeology, Institutional Fragmentation and International Law: Human Rights, International Environmental and Sustainable (Development) Law

Abstract

Why have we not done better, given that the MDGs have been part of human rights law for six decades? This essay points to the fragmented nature of the international institutional framework - or international governance structure - as a factor that has contributed to our failure. This fragmented institutional setting has led to a fragmented approach to international law. Finally, this essay considers how international law, despite its fragmented nature, might further the integrated approach evident from the MDGs. It suggests that by developing procedures such as the World Bank Inspection Panel and the Aarhus Compliance Mechanisms integrated approaches to the application of international can be developed by enabling the law to be applied in context.

Keywords: MDGs, human rights law, fragmentation of international law

JEL Classification: O19, K32, K33