Published on: 15/06/2011
On 29 July 2010, the General Assembly of the United Nations recognised, in a proposed resolution by Bolivia and adopted by 122 votes with 41 abstentions, '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 resolution also calls upon 'states and international organizations to provide financial resources, capacity-building and technology transfer, in particular to developing countries'.
It was a historical decision. But what explains the need to proclaim this right is that it is barely respected around the world. Despite UN recognition it is a right that is far from being realised in most parts of the world, writes Jacques Cambon of Pambazuka News.
Source: Fahamu / allAfrica.com, 9 June 2011
