Human right to water and sanitation

Communal tap for drinking water (2941731238)

Jamuna River 04

Protest against Dakota Access and Keystone XL Pipelines 20170126-1458

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Nile River and delta from orbit

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Nord-Krim-Kanal

Human Right to Water and Sanitation

The Human Right to Water and Sanitation recognizes the essential access to safe drinking water and sanitation as a fundamental human right that is indispensable for leading a life in human dignity. It is a prerequisite for the realization of other human rights, established by the United Nations General Assembly on 28 July 2010, through Resolution 64/292.

Background

The recognition of the human right to water and sanitation has evolved over time, with significant milestones marking its development. Initially, water and sanitation were not explicitly recognized as human rights in major human rights instruments. However, the link between access to safe water, sanitation, and the realization of other human rights gradually gained recognition. The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), adopted in 1966, implicitly recognized the importance of water and sanitation for achieving adequate standards of living, though it did not explicitly mention these services.

Development

The turning point for the explicit recognition of the human right to water and sanitation came in the early 21st century. In November 2002, the United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights adopted General Comment No. 15, which clarified that the right to water was an essential part of the right to an adequate standard of living, and inextricably related to the right to the highest attainable standard of health, along with rights to housing and food.

On 28 July 2010, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 64/292, explicitly recognizing the human right to water and sanitation, affirming that clean drinking water and sanitation are essential to the realization of all human rights. This resolution called upon states and international organizations to provide financial resources, help capacity-building and technology transfer to help countries, especially developing countries, to provide safe, clean, accessible, and affordable drinking water and sanitation for all.

Implementation

The implementation of the human right to water and sanitation requires states to ensure that everyone has access to sufficient, safe, acceptable, physically accessible, and affordable water for personal and domestic uses. This encompasses both water quality and quantity, including water for drinking, personal sanitation, washing clothes, food preparation, and personal and household hygiene.

To realize this right, countries need to adopt appropriate legislative, administrative, budgetary, judicial, promotional, and other measures. International cooperation and assistance play a crucial role in supporting national efforts, especially in developing countries.

Challenges

Despite the recognition of the human right to water and sanitation, billions of people worldwide still lack access to safe water and sanitation facilities. Challenges include inadequate infrastructure, poverty, political instability, and the impacts of climate change. Addressing these challenges requires concerted efforts from governments, non-governmental organizations, and the international community.

Conclusion

The recognition of the human right to water and sanitation marks a critical step towards ensuring that all individuals have access to the basic services necessary for their dignity and health. It underscores the importance of water and sanitation for the broader realization of human rights and sets a framework for international and national actions to address the global water and sanitation crisis.

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