Beatrice Lang
Access to electricity is a human right that is implicitly or explicitly linked to other rights such as non-discrimination, adequate living standards, housing, health, and sustainable development. While some scholars argue that access to energy is a fundamental human right, others suggest it is a derived right based on other rights, such as the right to adequate housing. Despite improvements in global access over the past 30 years, an estimated 831 million to one billion people still lack access to electricity, primarily in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. This lack of access restricts development, limits access to education and information, and impacts daily life, making it a pressing issue that demands attention and action from governments and businesses alike.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Electricity access as a human right | Implicit attribute of a pre-existing right (e.g. non-discrimination, adequate living standards, sustainable development) or explicit in eliminating discrimination against women |
| Derived human right, grounded in rights such as the right to adequate housing | |
| Access to energy services is fundamental to enhancing human needs | |
| Lack of access to electricity restricts people's freedom, development, and self-determination | |
| Lack of access to electricity impacts individuals' abilities to get an education, communicate, and prepare food without air pollution | |
| Lack of access to electricity impacts countries' development | |
| Lack of access to electricity confronts principles outlined in the Declaration of Human Rights promoting an "adequate standard of living to promote health and well-being" | |
| Lack of access to electricity degrades human dignity |
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What You'll Learn
- Access to electricity as a derived human right
- Lack of access to electricity as a restriction on freedom
- Energy poverty and the need for government intervention
- Electricity access as a right in the context of eliminating discrimination against women
- The moral and legal case for electricity as a human right
Access to electricity as a derived human right
Access to electricity is a fundamental part of innovation, progress, and life. It is a key resource for improving our lives and meeting our needs. However, one in ten people globally has no access to electricity, mainly in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. This inequality goes against the basic principles outlined in the Declaration of Human Rights, promoting equality and the right to an adequate standard of living to promote health and well-being.
Some scholars argue that access to energy is a fundamental human right that should be safeguarded by governments. This is supported by the fact that an individual entitlement to electricity is already recognized under international human rights law and national law and policy. For instance, the 1979 Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) obligates state parties to "take all appropriate measures to eliminate discrimination against women in rural areas" and ensure their right to access electricity.
The strongest argument for access to electricity as a human right is that it is derived from other rights, such as the right to adequate housing, living standards, health, and sustainable development. This position acknowledges that humans often need access to electricity without claiming that all humans must have this access. It also aligns with the aim of human rights to ensure that all humans have a good enough life.
From a geopolitical perspective, the exclusive use of energy technology or sources can restrict the development of some countries and reinforce the domination of others. This can become an instrument of intrusion in other countries' sovereignty. Thus, access to electricity can be a geopolitical issue.
Furthermore, access to electricity has implications for education, communication, and food preparation without air pollution. For example, students without electricity may struggle to read the blackboard or do homework in the evening. Therefore, access to electricity can be considered essential for public participation and improving people's lives.
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Lack of access to electricity as a restriction on freedom
Access to electricity is considered a human right by many. However, there is a significant lack of access to electricity in several regions of the world, which poses a restriction on people's freedom. This issue is closely linked to the struggle for an adequate standard of living, as outlined in the Declaration of Human Rights, and has severe social implications.
The absence of electricity restricts freedom by limiting people's ability to perform daily tasks, such as refrigerating food or working and studying after dark. It also hinders access to education, communication, and information. For example, students without electricity at home may find it difficult to read or do homework in the evenings.
From a geopolitical perspective, the exclusive use of energy technology or sources can restrict the development of certain countries and reinforce the domination of others. This can lead to an intrusion on the sovereignty of less developed nations. Additionally, the lack of access to electricity contributes to energy poverty and injustice, particularly affecting the rural poor and women.
The recognition of access to electricity as a human right establishes a framework for government duties and interventions to address these issues. It provides a foundation for governments and other actors to tackle energy poverty, improve consumer choice, and promote access to reliable, affordable, and high-quality energy services.
While some scholars argue for a universal human right to electricity, others suggest that it is a derived right based on other rights, such as the right to adequate housing. Nonetheless, the improvement in access to electricity on a global scale over the past 30 years provides hope that, with the right policies and business solutions, universal access can be achieved.
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Energy poverty and the need for government intervention
Access to electricity is a human right that is well-established within the framework of human rights, either as an implicit or explicit attribute of other rights, such as non-discrimination, adequate living standards, housing, health, and sustainable development. While there is no universal consensus, some scholars advocate for access to energy as a fundamental human right that governments should safeguard through interventions. This notion of a 'right to energy' can justify government interventions to address issues like energy poverty, energy injustice, and the lack of energy democracy.
Energy poverty is a complex issue that requires a comprehensive understanding of various indicators and metrics, including access to electricity, household energy consumption, affordability, reliability, and environmental sustainability. It is not merely the absence of energy infrastructure but also the inability of individuals and communities to afford energy services. The root causes of energy poverty are often structural, stemming from factors like limited infrastructure, low population density, and a lack of engagement with local communities. Therefore, tackling energy poverty necessitates addressing these underlying factors through targeted and structural measures, with a particular focus on energy efficiency.
Government intervention is crucial in addressing energy poverty. Initiatives like the EU's Energy Poverty Advisory Hub (EPAH) aim to eradicate energy poverty by providing advice and implementing small-scale renewable energy solutions. Community-led initiatives are also essential, as they promote ownership, empower local stakeholders, and tailor solutions to meet specific community needs. Additionally, financial subsidies, such as bill assistance, are a commonly used intervention, although they do not address the structural aspects of the problem.
To effectively address energy poverty, a balanced approach is necessary, combining short-term interventions with long-term infrastructure development. For instance, the distribution of solar lanterns or cookstoves can meet immediate energy needs, while simultaneously working towards sustainable energy access through renewable energy sources and energy efficiency upgrades. Integrated approaches that tackle energy poverty, climate change, and sustainable development goals in unison are vital to ensuring a lasting impact.
Furthermore, the social and economic implications of energy poverty are significant. Lack of access to energy restricts people's freedom, development, and self-determination, impacting their ability to access education, information, and public participation. Energy poverty often intersects with other social disadvantages, creating cycles of social inequality. Therefore, addressing energy poverty requires a holistic perspective that considers the environmental, social, and economic dimensions of this complex issue.
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Electricity access as a right in the context of eliminating discrimination against women
Access to electricity is a well-established framework of human rights. It is considered an implicit attribute of pre-existing rights, such as non-discrimination, adequate living standards, housing, health, and sustainable development. Notably, it is also recognised as a right in the context of eliminating discrimination against women.
The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) of 1979 explicitly mentions electricity access as a right for women. According to Article 14(2)(h) of CEDAW, state parties are obligated to:
> "take all appropriate measures to eliminate discrimination against women in rural areas ... and, in particular, shall ensure to such women the right to ... adequate living conditions ... "
This recognition of electricity access as a right for women is particularly important in addressing energy poverty, which disproportionately affects rural women. Energy poverty has significant implications for women's health, education, income generation, and overall quality of life. For example, access to electrical appliances can reduce the four million premature deaths caused annually by household air pollution from traditional cooking fuels.
Furthermore, electricity access enables women's empowerment and public participation. It facilitates access to information and education, enhancing women's opportunities for self-development and decision-making.
However, it is essential to acknowledge that realising universal electricity access is challenging. The generation of electricity from fossil fuels conflicts with sustainable development goals, and alternative renewable energy sources may not always be feasible or accessible. Nonetheless, the recognition of electricity access as a human right, especially in the context of eliminating discrimination against women, underscores the importance of government interventions and policies to address energy poverty and promote gender equality.
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The moral and legal case for electricity as a human right
Access to electricity is a fundamental human right that should be safeguarded by governments. This right is implicit in pre-existing rights such as non-discrimination, adequate living standards, housing, health, and sustainable development. It is also explicitly recognised in the context of eliminating discrimination against women, as outlined in the 1979 Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).
From a moral perspective, access to electricity is essential for human dignity, freedom, development, and self-determination. It is a key resource for improving lives and meeting basic needs, such as education, communication, and preparing food without causing air pollution. The lack of access to electricity restricts a person's ability to fulfil their potential and goes against the basic principles outlined in the Declaration of Human Rights, which promotes equality and the right to an adequate standard of living.
The social implications of a lack of energy access can be understood from theological, philosophical, and geopolitical perspectives. Theologically, the inability to access electricity is viewed as a degradation of human dignity, a gift of God to every man and woman. Philosophically, it becomes a restriction on people's freedom and their ability to determine their own lives and development. Geopolitically, the exclusive use of energy technology or sources can restrict the development of certain countries and reinforce the domination of others, impacting their sovereignty.
Legally, the case for electricity as a human right is supported by international human rights law and general international law. The emergence of a human right to access electricity under international law is further corroborated by international humanitarian law, policy trends within the sustainable development agenda, and regulatory efforts to extend electricity services to vulnerable social groups.
While some scholars argue that there is no legal right to energy access, the moral and legal case for electricity as a human right is strong. It is essential for upholding other fundamental human rights and ensuring that all individuals have the opportunity to fulfil their potential and lead dignified lives.
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Frequently asked questions
There are differing opinions on whether access to electricity is a human right. Some argue that it is a derived human right, grounded in other rights such as the right to adequate housing, non-discrimination, adequate living standards, health, and sustainable development. Others claim that there is no human right to electricity, only contractual rights related to various societies.
Access to electricity has a significant impact on people's lives and their ability to perform daily tasks, such as refrigerating food, working or studying after dark, and cooking without causing air pollution. It is also essential for education, communication, and accessing information.
According to the World Bank, about one billion people, mainly in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia, do not have access to electricity.
The lack of access to electricity restricts a country's development and can cause energy poverty and injustice. It also raises philosophical, theological, and geopolitical issues, impacting human dignity, freedom, development, and self-determination.
Governments, businesses, and international organizations have roles in promoting access to electricity. Governments can address infrastructure and expertise gaps, while businesses can actively participate in electricity initiatives. Internationally, organizations like the United Nations (UN) and researchers advocate for recognizing access to electricity as a human right.
