The Sustainable Development Goals offer an immense opportunity for improving the lives of
millions. Sadly, without respect for human rights and principles of good governance underpinning
these targets, we risk only improving the lives of a few at the expense of the many. It is thus critical
that the rhetoric of accountability be backed up by credible reporting mechanisms which measure
national progress towards achieving the SDGs. Progress reporting at the intergovernmental level
and with participation by civil society should include a process evaluation which, among other
things, should assess whether SDG implementation in a country was informed by human rights
treaties and instruments as well as the principles of good governance, inclusive participation and
the rule of law. Importantly, this monitoring requires independent actors, including civil society
organizations, at the grassroots level.
