Participation in the realization of the human rights to water and sanitation 2014, para. 56
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Many decisions can be taken at the local level; this has the advantage of being close to the people concerned. However, participation must not be limited to local decisions. People must have the opportunity to participate wherever decisions are taken. In some instances, people have invested time and energy in processes at the local level, but the decisions taken are not acted upon and cannot be implemented as local bodies lack the power to do so, in particular where institutional decentralization is not matched by fiscal devolution. Broader power structures often constrain the scope of decision-making at the local level. In such instances, not only are people's expectations frustrated, but participation cannot be considered meaningful.
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Non-negotiated soft law
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Special Rapporteur on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation