Water and Sanitation as Human Rights OHCHR – Regional Office for Europe July 2010

Water and sanitation in international human rights law Explicit references in CRC, CEDAW, CPRD. Implicit references in ICCPR and ICESCR though other human rights (adequate standard of living, housing, health, food, life, torture) Explicit references in principles, guidelines, declarations, resolutions, expert documents. + Humanitarian and environmental treaties

Scope of safe drinking water obligations Quantity? Quality? Access? – Equitable access – Physical access – Economic access (affordability)

Scope of sanitation obligations Definition Quantity? Quality? Access? – Equitable access – Physical access – Economic access (affordability) Acceptability

Nature of human rights obligations Duty bearers Obligations – Respect – Protect – Fulfill

Conclusion: Added value of human rights perspective Non-discrimination, participation and accountability From charity to empowerment Needs of vulnerable in focus Holistic vision of access Makes prioritization easier

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