The interlinked and interdependent nature of human rights and the call to ‘leave no one behind’ require more holistic, integrated and people-centred approaches to water resource management and environmental policy-making, a challenge addressed through the concept of‘integrated water resources management’ (IWRM). When people are able to learn about and exercise their rights, and are empowered to participate in the decisions that affect them, they can help to ensure that those decisions respect their need for water security and a sustainable environment. It can also help identify legal obligations and standards to guide potential actions and responses to ensure that the human rights to water and sanitation are fulfilled.