On the occasion of World Water Day (22 March, 2009), the
Independent Expert on the issue of human rights obligations related to access
to safe drinking water and sanitation, Ms. Catarina de Albuquerque, expresses
her particular concern about access to water and sanitation during
emergencies.
"The chaos and insecurity caused by war and natural
disasters frequently block access to water and sanitation, with devastating
results," said the Independent Expert. The failure to protect access to
safe drinking water and sanitation during times of emergency violates human
rights. "Economic, social and cultural rights, including those related
to water and sanitation, are always applicable, and States may not excuse
themselves from respecting them during times of emergency."
The Red Cross estimates that about a quarter of the people
without access to safe drinking water, and 15% of those without access to
sanitation find themselves in countries ravaged by war. Cholera, diarrhoea
and other deadly diseases spread with a ferocity that is difficult to control
during times of emergency.
International humanitarian law also prohibits attacking,
destroying, or removing "objects indispensable to the survival of the
civilian population, such as … drinking water installations and supplies and
irrigation works." Yet, during conflict, "it is all too common to
see fundamental water and sanitation services destroyed, and populations
denied access to drinking water and sanitation for deadly periods of
time," remarked the Independent Expert.
Tragically, combatants sometimes block or otherwise
obstruct essential humanitarian aid, including provision of safe drinking
water, with potentially fatal consequences. Ensuring that refugee and IDP
camps have appropriate water and sanitation services is also crucial.
The Independent Expert calls upon States and the
international community to ensure access to safe drinking water and
sanitation for people affected by conflict and natural disasters. They must
take immediate action to rebuild appropriate facilities and to ensure access
for humanitarian actors. States and the international community also must
prevent the spread of disease by prioritizing safe drinking water and
sanitation during and in the aftermath of an emergency.
The Independent Expert especially commends the dedication,
courage and commitment of humanitarian workers, including those working with
non-governmental organizations, who are at the forefront of these life-saving
interventions.
884 million people in the world lack access to safe
drinking water, and 2.5 billion do not have access to basic sanitation.
"Unfortunately, but unsurprisingly, those who suffer the most from lack
of access to water and sanitation, are the poorest, the most marginalized and
the most vulnerable," asserts Ms. de Albuquerque, noting in particular
the situation of women, children, and persons with disabilities. Globally,
1.6 million people, mostly children, die each year from water and sanitation
related causes.
Ms. de Albuquerque began her work as Independent Expert in
November 2008 and she reports annually to the UN Human Rights Council. She
currently works as a senior legal adviser at the Office for Documentation and
Comparative Law (an independent institution under the Portuguese Prosecutor
General's Office) in the area of human rights.
For more information on the work and mandate of the
Independent Expert, please visit: http://www2.ohchr.org/english/issues/water/iexpert/index.htm
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