The Human Right to Water

Abstract

The new century has begun with one of the most fundamental conditions of human development unmet: universal access to basic water services. More than a billion people lack access to safe drinking water. Two-and-a-half-billion people live without access to the adequate sanitation systems necessary to reduce exposure to water-related diseases. The failure of the international aid community, nations, and local organizations to satisfy these basic human needs has led to substantial, unnecessary, and preventable human suffering. Tens of thousand of people, mostly young children and the elderly, die every day from water-related diseases. This situation is intolerable, unnecessary and preventable. In my paper, I hope to answer the fundamental questions: Is access to water a fundamental human right? Where 'human right' takes on its full legal meaning. Water Nepal Vol. Vol.9-10, No.1-2, 2003, pp.115-149