The UN passed a resolution declaring that access to clean water and sanitation is a fundamental right. The text of the resolution says that 884m people have no access to safe drinking water and more than 2.6bn lack access to basic sanitation. It urges the international community to "scale up efforts to provide safe, clean, accessible and affordable water and sanitation for all". 122 countries voted in favor, zero voted against, but 41 countries abstained. The abstainers were mainly developing countries - including the United States, claiming that the resolution could undermine a process in the UN's Human Rights Council in Geneva to build a consensus on water rights.
The right to clean water and sanitation is key in the fight against global poverty. Do your part to make this a reality by calling your senators and representative and urging them to cosponsor the Water for the World Act. Learn more on our Legislation page.
- Clara Hill
SOURCE: "UN declares clean water a 'fundamental human right'" - BBC
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