UN Declares Water and Sanitation a Human Right
Safe and clean drinking water and sanitation is a human right essential to the full enjoyment of life and all other human rights, the General Assembly declared today, voicing deep concern that almost 900 million people worldwide do not have access to clean water.
The text of the resolution expresses deep concern that an estimated 884 million people lack access to safe drinking water and a total of more than 2.6 billion people do not have access to basic sanitation. Studies also indicate about 1.5 million children under the age of five die each year and 443 million school days are lost because of water- and sanitation-related diseases.
28th July 2010
Safe and clean drinking water and sanitation is a “human right that is essential for the full enjoyment of life and all human rights,” the General Assembly declared today, voicing deep concern that almost 900 million people worldwide do not have access to clean water.
The decision also welcomes a decision by the the UN Human Rights Council that the UN Independent Expert on the issue of human rights obligations should present an annual report to the General Assembly on progress towards realising the human right and meeting targets set in the Millennium Development Goals.
The Assembly resolution received 122 votes in favour and zero votes against. 41 mainly developed countries including the US, UK, Netherlands, Japan, South Korea and Canada abstained. France, Germany, Italy, Norway and Spain however voted in favour of the resolution.
Presenting the resolution, Ambassador Pablo Solon of Bolivia noted that water had up to now never been fully recognised as a human right. “The Summit on the Millennium Development Goals is approaching, and it is necessary to give a clear signal to the world that drinking-water and sanitation are a human right, and that we will do everything possible to reach this goal, which we have only 5 more years to achieve.”
The resolution was a result of extensive campaigning and lobbying work by many civil society organisations, in particular the Council of Canadians. There were fears up to the last minute that countries opposed to the resolution would block it or undermine it. However in the end, those opposed abstained, only expressing their concern that the resolution was not consulted properly or couched in the right language.
Celebrating the successful approval of the resolution, Anil Naidoo, of Council of Canadian’s Blue Planet Project said: “This resolution has the overwhelming support of a strong majority of countries, despite a handful of powerful opponents. It must now be followed-up with a renewed push for water justice. We are calling for actions on the ground in communities around the world to ensure that the rights to water and sanitation are implemented.”
i agree whole heartedly. this is really a terrible thing and breaks my heart to see these precious people having to make do with what they have. i pray this reaches the right connection to get the attention it needs for funding.
We really don’t know how lucky we are do we.. of course water and sanitation should be a basic human right, a shocking article Jonie but something we should all be aware of. How awful.
UN Declares Water and Sanitation a Human Right – I absolutely, completely and totally disagree.
Clean water and sanitation is not a ‘Right’ but rather a ‘Responsibility’. Furthermore, the responsibility rests foremost with the individuals living in a particular region. From the individual, to the family units, to the village, to the cities and corporations. If a man or woman decides to live in filth and squalor, then they should be prepared to reap the consequences – early death and a multitude of diseases. Whom amongst us would presume to be god and deny another person their just reward for either their actions or inaction? There is only one God in the universe and it is not I, nor any man now walking the face of this earth.
Some of us have no idea how fortunate we are…………how truly blessed
Our body and the planet itself is made up of 75% water, is a contradiction and lack of charity that poor people do not have this vital element.
Ronnie –
You are either very young or live in splendid isolation – there’s no other way to explain your total ignorance about the horrendous suffering of millions of people due to droughts, famine, war, displacement, poverty, slavery, abuse, etc.
Do you truly believe that people choose to live like this? That they enjoy being hungry, thirsty and ill and watching their children die before their eyes? You can’t be serious.
Yes, there is only one God. Thankfully I have not met your heartless and cruel god who seems to get a kick out of creating people whom he can then watch suffering.
My God is compassionate and is crying over them.
He also calls us to help the poor and share our riches.
I suggest you travel to Africa, India or Asia, perhaps work as a volunteer in a refugee camp – here’s a link for further information ….
http://jonieu.wordpress.com/2009/02/20/187/
There is a list of charities and other organizations on the right side of the page, you might find them useful.
I pray that God softens your heart.
ronnie; i was a little perturbed to see the comment you wrote here on someones blog who is expressing concern for humanity. i agree on jonie’s reply back to you. i think it would do you a world of good as well to go visit some of the 3rd world countries and look in the pleading sad eyes of the innocent children. those children grew up to be the adults you speak of. they do not know any better and just live a life only to just wait and die. GOD help you to have some compassion in that heart of yours!!
I am not very good with words but I offer KUDOS to the author (Jonie) for this very important and informative write… Thank you also to Kate, Neva, LoriLynn, and Juancav for voicing my exact sentiments … “It is difficult for logic to prevail over emotion…”
I am always amazed at the research Jonie puts into her articles that she is lead and guided to do and does so well. Well done Jonie.
When did I see someone thirsty and not give them drink? Ronnie, God will require your answer!!
Because when you get involved and help, “You do it unto Me”
Ronnie i live in Kenya which i guess you know is in the sub-saharan Africa, i remember when we were young growing up in the village we used to go to fetch water from the spring and it still occurs to date. we used to queue for hours to fill our jerrycans. the funny thing is that my village is better of as people in Northern Kenya travel up to 100 kilometers to fetch water. if you are privileged to have tap water or can buy bottled water please remember the plight of the unfortunate and do something to assist. thanks to jonie, movenon and the rest of you guys who support us in the 3rd world.
Thank you so much kipronolangat for taking time to comment – your words carry special weight as they come from someone who can speak with authority having experienced this plight. I do pray that greater awareness does help. God bless you! Jonie