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United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Comissioner

Visit to Jordan, 16-19 March 2014

Statement by the United Nations Expert on Human Rights, Water and Sanitation

The UN Special Rapporteur, Catarina de Albuquerque, has undertaken an official mission to Jordan from 16 to 19 March to evaluate the improvements and challenges the country still faces in realizing the human rights to water and sanitation.

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Visit to Brazil, 9-19 December 2013

Statement by the United Nations Expert on Human Rights, Water and Sanitation

The UN Special Rapporteur, Catarina de Albuquerque, has undertaken an official mission to Brazil from 9 to 19 December to evaluate the improvements and challenges the country still faces in realizing the human rights to water and sanitation.

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Visit to Thailand, 1-8 February 2013

Statement by the United Nations Expert on Human Rights, Water and Sanitation

From 1 to 8 February 2013, I have undertaken an official visit to Thailand at the invitation of the Government. Its objective was to examine the country’s progress and remaining challenges to ensure the full realization of the human rights to water and sanitation.

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Visit to Kiribati, 23-26 July 2012

Statement by the United Nations Expert on Human Rights, Water and Sanitation

From 23 to 26 July 2012, I have undertaken an official visit to Kiribati at the invitation of the Government. The objective of this visit was to examine the situation of the human rights to water and sanitation in Kiribati.

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Visit to Tuvalu, 17-19 July 2012

Statement by the United Nations Expert on Human Rights, Water and Sanitation

From 17-19 July 2012, I undertook an official visit to Tuvalu at the invitation of the Government. I am honored to be the first human rights expert invited to this country. The objective of this visit was to examine the situation of the human rights to water and sanitation in Tuvalu.

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Welcome to the Website of the human right to water and sanitation

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

Interview with

Interview with

Catarina Albuquerque about "How to conduct a country visit: Brazil"

Interview with

Interview with

Catarina Albuquerque about "What are the Rights to Water and Sanitation?"

Interview with

Interview with

Catarina Albuquerque about "Stigmatization due to lack of water and sanitation"

Interview with

Interview with

Catarina Albuquerque about "What are the benefits of applying a human rights framework to Water and Sanitation?"

Latest News

WORLD WATER DAY (22 March 2014)

Put people first in allocating scarce water resources – UN expert

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JORDAN (17 March 2014)

“Jordan in constant water crisis” – UN expert urges long-term solution while tackling emergencies

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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

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JORDAN (6 March 2014)

UN expert on right to safe drinking water and sanitation launches first visit to Jordan

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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.

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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.

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BRASILIA (20 December 2013)

“Brazil: In a land with great potential and deep contrast, nobody must be left behind” – UN expert

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+ More press releases and statements



Country Visits

Statement at the conclusion of the visit

Jordan

Statement at the conclusion of the visit

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Statement at the conclusion of the visit

Brazil

Statement at the conclusion of the visit

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Statement at the conclusion of the visit

Thailand

Statement at the conclusion of the visit

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Statement at the conclusion of the visit

Kiribati

Statement at the conclusion of the visit

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Statement at the conclusion of the visit

Tuvalu

Statement at the conclusion of the visit

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+ More country visits