Download ppt - INTRODUCTION TO THE RIGHT TO WATER AND SANITATION Istanbul, March 2009 Kerubo Okioga

Centre On Housing Rights and Evictions – Housing Rights for Everyone, Everywhere

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INTRODUCTION TO THE RIGHT TO WATER AND SANITATION

Istanbul, March 2009

Kerubo OkiogaCOHRE Right to Water Programme, Kenya


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Where is the right defined?

• General Comment No. 15 by UN CESCR (expert body mandated by UN GA to interpret ICESCR)

• UN Sub-Commission on Human Rights (expert body advising UN Human Rights Council) Guidelines on the right to water and sanitation

• United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights 2007 study for UN Human Rights Council on human rights obligations on equitable access to water and sanitation


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Substance of the right

Progressive realisation of:• sufficient and safe water for essential personal

and domestic uses • adequate and culturally acceptable water and

sanitation facility accessible in/near each home, school, health institution and workplace, and which is conducive to public health and protection of environment

• affordable water and sanitation (taking into account ability to secure all essential goods and services)


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Process of realising the right: Human rights principles

• Non-discrimination and attention to vulnerable and marginalised groups: equitable allocation of resources, address needs of each group

• Genuine participation and access to information: at all levels

• Transparency and accountability: redress mechanisms, complaints mechanisms


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Benefits of recognizing access to water and sanitation as a human right

• Access to water and sanitation is seen as a legal entitlement

• Promotes accountability• Priority given to most vulnerable and

excluded groups• Focus on process not just outcomes• Promotes improvements to domestic

monitoring• Provides a means of redress for those

whose rights are violated


The Beginning!

Thank You