The Human Right to Water and Sanitation – Its Recognition and Definition Dr. Anke Stock WECF World Water Day 22 nd March 2011 Chisinau, Moldova

Content Global Problem Global Problem HR to Water and Sanitation and Associated Rights HR to Water and Sanitation and Associated Rights History of the Development to a HR History of the Development to a HR Definition of the Right Definition of the Right What to do with a HR? What to do with a HR? WECFs Vision WECFs Vision

Associated Human Rights Right to Life (Universal Declaration of Human Rights, International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights) Right to Food (International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights) Right to Housing (International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights) Right to Education (International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights) Right to an Adequate Standard of Living (International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights) Photo by WECF

History and Development of the HR HR development HR development ICESCR 1966 – indirect recognition ICESCR 1966 – indirect recognition Art. 11 (1) ICESCR: adequate standard of living Art. 11 (1) ICESCR: adequate standard of living Art. 12 (2) ICESCR: highest attainable standard of health Art. 12 (2) ICESCR: highest attainable standard of health General Comment No. 15 General Comment No. 15

History: Direct Recognition of the HR Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (Art. 14) Convention on the Rights of the Child (Art. 24) UNECE Protocol on Water and Health UN Millennium Development Goals Goal 3 (Promote Gender Equality and Empower Women) Goal 4 (Child Health) Goal 5 (Improve Maternal Health) Goal 7 (Ensure Environmental Sustainability) Well in Romania. Photo by WECF

Further advancement by Indp. Expert on hr to water and sanitation Further advancement by Indp. Expert on hr to water and sanitation July 2010 UN General Assembly Resolution (A/RES/64/292) July 2010 UN General Assembly Resolution (A/RES/64/292) October 2010 HRC Resolution (A/HRC/RES/15/9) October 2010 HRC Resolution (A/HRC/RES/15/9)

Definition: 5 normative criteria AvailabilityAccessibilitySafety/Quality AcceptabilityAffordability

Definition: 5 cross-cutting criteria Non- discrimination ParticipationAccountability ImpactSustainability

What to do with a HR? Raising awareness/educ ation Raising awareness/educ ation Lobby work/advocacy Lobby work/advocacy Claim nationally/intern ationally Claim nationally/intern ationally

WECFs Vision Safe and acceptable water for each member of society Safe and acceptable water for each member of society Affordable access to a sufficient amout of water and thus to basic sanitation Affordable access to a sufficient amout of water and thus to basic sanitation Gender equality in decision-making processes on water and sanitation Gender equality in decision-making processes on water and sanitation Free access to information on water safety, sanitation and related issues Free access to information on water safety, sanitation and related issues Photo by WECF

Thank you!