International Guidelines on Decentralisation and Access to Basic Services for all

Abstract

This brochure includes two sets of guidelines approved by the Govern‑ ing Council of UN‑HAB‑ ITAT in 2007 and 2009. By approving these guidelines, member states of the United Na‑ tions committed them‑ selves to the promotion of decentralisation and strengthening of local authorities, as well as access to basic services for all. The guidelines have been designed to assist policy re‑ forms and legislative action at the country level in two complementary areas of UN‑HABITAT’s mandate. They have been prepared through an intensive consultative and participatory process involving many partners, including UN agencies as well as national and local governments over the past decade.