Human Rights Council resolution 7/22 expresses deep concern “that over one billion people lack access to safe drinking water and that 2.6 billion lack access to safe sanitation.” Having access to safe drinking and sanitation is central to living a life in dignity and upholding human rights. The mandate of the Independent Expert on the issue of human rights obligations related to access to safe drinking water and sanitation was established to examine these crucial issues from a human rights perspective and provide recommendations to the Human Rights Council, and other actors. 

Ms. Catarina de Albuquerque was appointed as Independent Expert in September 2008, and began her work on the mandate in November 2008. As Independent Expert, she is called upon to undertake specific tasks: 

  • Firstly, on developing a dialogue with Governments, the relevant United Nations bodies, the private sector, local authorities, national human rights institutions, civil society organizations and academic institutions, to identify, promote and exchange views on best practices related to access to safe drinking water and sanitation, and, in that regard, to prepare a compendium of best practices;
  •  Secondly, on advancing the work by undertaking a study, in cooperation with and reflecting the views of all the stakeholders, on the further clarification of the content of human rights obligations, including non-discrimination obligations, in relation to access to safe drinking water and sanitation;
  • Thirdly, on making recommendations that could help the realization of the Millennium Development Goals, in particular of Goal 7.

 

In 2010, the Independent Expert is preparing a report on the  compatibility  between the human right to water and the involvement of private sector in water and sanitation services.

As a major actor, SUEZ ENVIRONNEMENT takes part in this debate. Its submission to Ms. Catarina de Albuquerque has been posted on the UN website. In accordance with Aquafed, SUEZ ENVIRONNEMENT reaffirms that private operators contribute to make the right to water and sanitation effective :

For more information

Visit the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)  website