Local authorities, poverty and the implementation of human rights norms

Cities, towns, and their local authorities are increasingly regarded as central actors in the realization of human rights norms. This chapter discusses the role that they (can) play in implementing and possibly shaping human rights norms that address challenges arising from poverty. It also considers to what extent human rights, as law and discourse, provide necessary or even useful frameworks for local governments active in this domain. The chapter begins by recounting the responsibilities that local authorities hold in terms of international human rights law. It subsequently presents some of the most prominent examples of international actors harnessing the capacities of local authorities to reduce poverty. Finally, it discusses a number of examples of relevant autonomous efforts by local governments. Seeking to provide a nuanced account of these developments, it does so by contrasting approaches that vary in their reliance on international human rights law and discourse.