OHCHR study on human rights obligations related to equitable access to safe drinking water and sanitation
Council's Decision 2/104 - Human Rights and Access to Water
In its Decision 2/104 on Human Rights and Access to Water, the UN Human Rights Council (hereafter the Council) requested:
"(.) the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, taking into account the views of States and other stakeholders, to conduct, within existing resources, a detailed study on the scope and content of the relevant human rights obligations related to equitable access to safe drinking water and sanitation under international human rights instruments, which includes relevant conclusions and recommendations thereon, to be submitted prior to the sixth session of the Council.
As part of the consultation process, OHCHR has sought written submissions from various stakeholders. Over 90 responses were received from States, intergovernmental organizations (IGOs), local governments, National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), the business sector, universities and individuals. These contributions included responses to the OHCHR questionnaire, along with publications, articles and books.
Contributions received
OHCHR also held a consultation on 11 May 2007 on human rights and equitable access to safe-drinking water and sanitation, which focuses on the scope and content of human rights obligations to provide access to safe-drinking water and sanitation. The report of the consultation outlines the main points raised during the discussion.
The inputs received during the consultation process have informed the drafting of the study.
Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on the scope and content of the relevant human rights obligations related to equitable access to safe drinking water and sanitation under international human rights instruments
Useful links:
Human Rights Council Decision 2/104 - Human Rights and Access to Water, in English, French and Spanish
General Comment No. 15 of the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
Sub-Commission's Guidelines for the Realization of the Right to Drinking Water and Sanitation adopted by the UN Sub-Commission for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights, August 2006
OHCHR, WHO, COHRE, CESR, Water Aid, The Right to Water, 2003
UNDP, Human Development Report 2006: Beyond scarcity: Power, poverty and the global water crisis
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