Water Politics Questions Long
The concept of water as a human right refers to the belief that every individual has the right to access clean and safe water for personal and domestic use. This concept recognizes that water is essential for human survival, dignity, and well-being, and therefore should be treated as a fundamental human right.
The recognition of water as a human right in international law can be traced back to various legal instruments and declarations. One of the most significant documents in this regard is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948. Although the UDHR does not explicitly mention water as a human right, it recognizes the right to a standard of living adequate for health and well-being, which includes access to clean water.
Further development of the concept of water as a human right can be seen in the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1966. Article 11 of the ICESCR explicitly recognizes the right to an adequate standard of living, including access to safe and clean drinking water. It emphasizes the importance of ensuring the availability, accessibility, and quality of water for all individuals without discrimination.
In addition to these general human rights instruments, there are specific international agreements that address water-related issues. The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) adopted in 1979 recognizes the right of women to access water resources and sanitation services on an equal basis with men. The Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) adopted in 1989 also acknowledges the right of children to access clean water and sanitation facilities.
Moreover, the United Nations General Assembly declared access to clean water and sanitation as a human right in a non-binding resolution in 2010. This resolution 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.
The recognition of water as a human right in international law has important implications for governments and policymakers. It places an obligation on states to ensure the availability, accessibility, and quality of water for all individuals within their jurisdiction. This includes taking measures to prevent water pollution, provide infrastructure for water supply and sanitation, and ensure equitable distribution of water resources.
However, it is important to note that the recognition of water as a human right does not mean that water should be provided free of charge to everyone. It rather implies that water should be affordable and accessible to all, and that no one should be denied access to water due to their social or economic status.
In conclusion, the concept of water as a human right recognizes the fundamental importance of water for human life and well-being. Its recognition in international law through various legal instruments and declarations highlights the obligation of states to ensure access to clean and safe water for all individuals. This recognition has significant implications for water governance and policy-making, emphasizing the need for sustainable and equitable management of water resources.