UN Special Rapporteur on the Human Right to Water and Sanitation
Having access to safe drinking water and sanitation is central to living a life in dignity and upholding human rights. Yet billions of people still do not enjoy these fundamental rights.
The rights to water and sanitation require that these are available, accessible, safe, acceptable and affordable for all without discrimination. These elements are clearly interrelated. While access to water may be guaranteed in theory, in reality, if it is too expensive, people do not have access. Women will not use sanitation facilities which are not maintained or are not sex segregated. Having a tap which delivers unsafe water does not improve one’s access. Human rights demand a holistic understanding of access to water and sanitation.
The rights to water and sanitation further require an explicit focus on the most disadvantaged and marginalized, as well as an emphasis on participation, empowerment, accountability and transparency. The mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the human right to safe drinking water and sanitation was established to examine these crucial issues and provide recommendations to Governments, to the United Nations and other stakeholders. Ms. Catarina de Albuquerque was appointed in September 2008, and began her work on the mandate in November 2008.
Videos
WORLD WATER DAY (22 March 2014)
Put people first in allocating scarce water resources – UN expert
JORDAN (17 March 2014)
“Jordan in constant water crisis” – UN expert urges long-term solution while tackling emergencies
JORDAN (16 March 2014)
Press statement by the Special Rapporteur on the human right to water and sanitation, Catarina de Albuquerque, at the end of her visit to Jordan, 16-19 March 2014
JORDAN (6 March 2014)
UN expert on right to safe drinking water and sanitation launches first visit to Jordan
NEW YORK (18-19 February 2014)
Intervention by the Special Rapporteur on the right to safe drinking water and sanitation, Catarina de Albuquerque, at the General Assembly Thematic Debate on Water, Sanitation and Sustainable Energy in the Post-2015 Development Agenda.
GENEVA (6 February 2014)
"Deprival of food, water, shelter and medical care – a method of war in Syria, and a crime against humanity": UN experts urged all parties to the Syrian conflict to stop the use of civilian suffering as a method of war.
BRASILIA (20 December 2013)
“Brazil: In a land with great potential and deep contrast, nobody must be left behind” – UN expert