“It is a very positive development that the UN now recognises water as a human right. The task remains however to see this implemented at policy level around the world,” says Hans-Petter Hergum, advisor for development policy at Norwegian Church Aid.
In July 2010, the UN General Assembly had approved a resolution recognizing “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”. Three months later the Human Rights Council affirmed the same position.
Years of work
Since the 2006 World Council of Churches (WCC) 9th Assembly in Porto Alegre, Brazil, efforts to promote the human right to water and sanitation have been made through the Ecumenical Water Network, a WCC-based international network of churches and Christian organizations, promoting preservation, responsible management and the equitable distribution of water.
Norwegian Church Aid is a member and major funder of the Ecumenical Water Network.
Will continue
“Norwegian Church Aid is very pleased to see that the advocacy work of the Ecumenical Water Network has shown results. Now we will continue to work through our networks at various levels to ensure the resolution is implemented,” continues Hergum.
The Ecumenical Water Network will continue its advocacy for implementation of the right to water and sanitation with the Seven Weeks for Water Lent campaign 2011. “This campaign seeks to raise awareness among the churches on water, conflict and just peace,” Maike Gorsboth, coordinator of the Ecumenical Water Network, said.