Topic 4.1: Implementing the Right to Water and Sanitation for Improved Access
World Water Forum, 16-22 March 2009, Istanbul
FAN, COHRE, WaterAid, Un-Habitat and Action Contre la Faim explored the use of RTWS and its contribution to improving access.
The right to water and sanitation (RTWS) is an entitlement held by all human beings that is solidly anchored in international human rights law. This topic explored the utility of the RTWS and its contribution to improving access to these essential services.
Four sessions explored this topic from differing perspectives, acknowledging that, for the right to be truly meaningful, its recognition must result in improved access to water and sanitation especially for the poor and vulnerable, as well as in conflict situations.
All of the five sessions were incredibly lively and well attended
Download the topic report, which includes a list of presenters and panellists, conclusions, recommendations, challenges and next steps for each session and the whole topic.
Outline of sessions
Venue: Amphitheatre 4 Sutluce
Tuesday 17 March 09:00 – 12:45
Session 4.1.1: From Right to Reality - Good Government Practices for Implementing the Human Right to Water and Sanitation.
Tuesday 17 March 14:30-16:30
Session 4.1.2: Rights in Action: Sharing experiences on how civil society utilizes the RTWS as a tool to improve access for the poor and marginalized
Tuesday 17 March 17:00-19:00
Session 4.1.3: Making the right to sanitation work: What has been delivered by the International Year of Sanitation and what must now be done to progress sanitation entitlements
Wednesday 18 March 08:30-10:30
Session 4.1.4: Rights Based Approach in Emergency: Limits and Opportunities
Wednesday 18 March 11:00-13:00
Session 4.1.5: Wrap-up
Download Topic 4.1 flyer [PDF]
Download Topic 4.1 report [PDF]
FAN session 4.1.2: Rights in Action: Sharing experiences on how civil society utilizes the RTWS as a tool to improve access for the poor and marginalized
Five representatives from civil society organisations presented their local actions outlining the role that the recognition of the RTWS can play in the process of water supply and sanitation delivery and protecting local water sources.
Download PDFs of presentation summaries:
Frente Amplio Opositor Mineira (FAO) against the Saint Xavier Mine, Mexico
Mario Martinez Ramos
Implementing the Right to Water and Sanitation in Central America - FANCA - Costa Rica
Heidy Murillo Quesada
Utilizing the Right to Water without Constitutional Guarantee - Community Water Centre- USA
Suzana de Anda
Ass. Pour La Defense des Defense des Droits des Consommateurs (ADC)- Chad
Nadjiam Djirabaye
Centre for Rural Studies and Development- India
Hilda Grace Coelho
Mario Martinez Ramos
Panelists
Ms. Hameeda Deedat, South Africa (gender, trade and water activist)
Mr. Abel Mejia - Director of the World Bank Water Anchor
Mr. Neil McLoud- Head of Water and Sanitation at the eThekwini Municipality, South Africa,
Mr.Vibhu Nayar- Ministry of Water, Tamil Nadu, India
Session Moderator
Clarissa Brocklehurst, Chief, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, UNICEF
Hameeda Deedat
Conclusions, Challenges, Recommendations from the FAN session
The human RTWS is not just a declaration but is a feasible advocacy tool. It is not only a law but something that can be put in to practice at the local level.
When communities are aware of their rights, they use them to support their struggle and to demand their governments respond.
The RTWS is used as a tool for vulnerable communities to become empowered and mobilize themselves.
Challenges
Legislation alone is not enough. The fight to ensure implementation of the right at both national and international level is crucial.
Making rights compatible (economic, political and water rights). One right is not more important than another right. A generation of work should not to be to the detriment of health or natural resources of a community.
Sustaining mobilized motivated communities for long periods of time
Lack of resources for human rights work
Lack of political will. Ministers are not willing to recognize access to water and sanitation as a human right. Afraid of what communities can do with the right as it can give them more power.
Recommendations
Train all sectors – professionals and technicians need to understand the right
Provide assistance to strengthen the legal and policy framework on RTWS
Demand transparency and accountability mechanisms so that all citizens can monitor what governments are doing and how it’s affecting them and recommend how conditions can be improved.
Make communities aware of the rights they are entitled to. Work jointly to raise awareness of the rights that they are entitled to so that all can be used to take the struggle forward when we seek recognition of the human right to water.
Next steps
Freshwater Action Network and COHRE are following up with a publication of best practices of use of RTWS which will include case studies presented in this session and comphrensive tips and tools of how to use RTWS in advocacy work
We continue to work together with the UN Independent Expert on her mandate