The Right to Water and Sanitation World Water Week August 20, 2008 Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs / DGIS Erma Uytewaal

Objective and content Explore interest and possibilities with the African Working Group (AWG) on how to take the RtW/S further in the EU African partnership member states 1.Background and DGIS initiatives in promotion of the RtW/S 2.Introduction of the theme RTW/S 3.Next steps for follow-up with AWG

Background Increased international acknowledgment of the importance of political and legal aspects in ensuring sustainable service delivery In 2002, the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR) issued General Comment No. 15 on the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), stating: “The human right to water is indispensable for leading a life in human dignity. In 2007, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCHR), that the right to water was implicit in the rights to life and health, and explicit in some UN treaties

International developments Several countries have included the right in national legislation or policies Many NGOs support a human rights approach to empower poor and marginalized people Various donor organizations advocate for the recognition of the right and support implementation of the human rights approach

DGIS position and initiatives March 2008: The Netherlands announced in the 7th session of the Human Rights Council that it recognizes the right to water and sanitation Advocacy for recognition and realization of the Right to Water and Sanitation in international forums Dialogue on RtW/S in partner countries

The right to Water “The human right to water entitles everyone to sufficient, safe, acceptable, physically accessible and affordable water for personal and domestic uses. An adequate amount of safe water is necessary to prevent death from dehydration, to reduce the risk of water-related disease and to provide for consumption, cooking, personal and domestic hygienic requirements.” General Comment 15 on the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), 2002

The right to water A sufficient amount of safe drinking water Equal and non-discriminatory access Affordable access

Significance of recognising the RtW Helps to put the WASH high on the development agenda Helps to target resources on the poor Establishes an obligation for creation of conditions for fulfillment of rights Increases accountability Provides a legal bases for claim of right

Will the RtW bring about real change? The right to water is only powerful if governments and civil society recognize and implement it: A political framework A clear institutional framework Institutional capacity Sufficient finance Access to information and detailed practical advice

The way forward Establish an AWG-taskforce on the RtW/S Elaboration of a discussion note on the RtW/S in preparation of the AWG meeting in December (London) Discussion and decision taking on how best to take the RtW/S further in the African partnership member states

2/4/ Thank you