United Nations General Assembly Declares Access to Clean Water and Sanitation a Human Right

On July 28, 2010, the United Nations General Assembly passed a landmark resolution recognizing access to clean water and sanitation as a fundamental human right. This decision underscored the essential role that water plays in sustaining life and promoting health, marking a significant step in global efforts to address water scarcity and sanitation issues.

Context and Background

• Global Water Crisis: At the time of the resolution, approximately 884 million people lacked access to safe drinking water, and over 2.6 billion people did not have access to basic sanitation facilities. This situation posed severe health risks and contributed to the spread of waterborne diseases.

• Previous Efforts: Prior to this resolution, various international declarations and agreements had highlighted the importance of water and sanitation. However, these were often framed within broader development goals rather than as explicit human rights.

Key Details of the Resolution

• Resolution A/RES/64/292: The resolution was adopted with 122 countries voting in favor, none against, and 41 abstentions. It explicitly recognized “the right to safe and clean drinking water and sanitation as a human right that is essential for the full enjoyment of life and all human rights.”

• Call to Action: The resolution called upon states and international organizations to provide financial resources, capacity-building, and technology transfer to help countries, particularly developing nations, provide safe, clean, accessible, and affordable drinking water and sanitation for all.

Significance and Impact

• Human Rights Framework: By framing access to water and sanitation as a human right, the resolution provided a legal and moral framework for advocacy and accountability. It empowered communities and individuals to demand access to these essential services.

• Global Awareness and Policy Change: The resolution heightened global awareness of water and sanitation issues, prompting governments and organizations to prioritize these areas in their policy agendas. It also influenced subsequent international agreements and development goals, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 6, which aims to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all by 2030.

• Challenges and Criticisms: Despite the resolution, challenges remain in implementation, particularly in regions with limited resources and infrastructure. Critics have pointed out the need for more concrete actions and commitments from the international community to translate the resolution into tangible improvements on the ground.

Conclusion

The 2010 UN General Assembly resolution was a pivotal moment in the global recognition of water and sanitation as human rights. It laid the groundwork for ongoing efforts to address water-related challenges and improve the quality of life for millions of people worldwide. As the world continues to grapple with issues of water scarcity and sanitation, the principles enshrined in this resolution remain as relevant as ever.