Menstrual Health Management as a human right

A 20-country review of the law and policy relating to Menstrual Health Management as seen through the framework of the human right to sanitation.
Leading Entity
Human Right 2 Water (HR2W)
Collaborating Entity(ies)
Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
Contributing Action Number
CA1.33
Primary Entry Point
1: Lead and inspire collective action
Additional Entry Point(s)
2: Engage better for countries
Output(s)
Output 1.2: Action is inspired by compelling and unified UN system communications and messaging on water
Output 2.1: Expertise and resources are fully leveraged by the UN system to support countries, with emphasis on the water and sanitation needs of developing countries
Output 3.2: Integrated policy frameworks to manage water and sanitation across sectors are supported by the UN system using latest data and evidence
Output 4.2: High-quality, disaggregated water and sanitation data and information are available and shared transparently through strengthened national and sub-national monitoring systems and regional and global platforms with support from the UN system
Output 4.5: Governance of water and sanitation is improved through UN system support, including with emphasis on the needs of developing countries
Output 5.2: Progress on water-related goals and targets are reviewed through joint learning and exchange among all actors with support from the UN system
SDG 6 Target(s)
SDG target 6.2: Achieve access to sanitation and hygiene and end open defecation
Type of Engagement
Normative support (e.g. development of normative guidance, guidelines and standards)
Data collection and analysis
Capacity development and technical assistance
Convening of stakeholders
Policy advice and thought leadership
Geographical Scope
Global level
Country-level (national, subnational and local)
Start Date
Estimated Annual Budget
1-10 million USD

Leading Entity

United Nations System-wide Strategy for Water and Sanitation

The Contributing Actions are key initiatives supporting the United Nations System-wide Strategy for Water and Sanitation, aligning individual and joint efforts across UN entities and partnering organizations to advance global water and sanitation goals. These actions are integrated into the Collaborative Implementation Plan (CIP) Results Framework 2025-2028, which provides a structured approach to achieving system-wide impact through coordinated UN efforts.
The Priority Collaborative Actions outlined in the framework focus on enhancing water security, improving governance, strengthening climate resilience, and accelerating progress on sanitation and hygiene. By fostering system-wide collaboration among UN agencies, these actions help drive policy coherence, knowledge sharing, and innovative solutions to address the world’s most pressing water challenges.