UN Independent Expert on the issue of human rights obligations related to access to safe drinking water and sanitation

In 2007 the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights presented a study to the Human Rights Council recommending that access to safe drinking water and sanitation be a human right.

The independent expert was appointed by the Human Rights Council to examine and report back on global access to safe drinking water and sanitation and undertake country missions to gather information and provide advise.

Issues covered by the Independent Expert include:

Human rights obligations in relation to access to sanitation

Human rights obligations in relation to national strategies on water and sanitation

Regulation of the private sector in the context of access to water and sanitation

Criteria to protect the right to safe drinking water and sanitation

Specific obligations of local authorities

Further clarify the content of human rights obligations related to access to safe drinking water and sanitation;

Make recommendations that could help the realization of the Millennium Development Goals (MDG), and particularly of the Goal 7.

Prepare a compendium of good practices related to access to safe drinking water and sanitation

Want to provide feedback to the Independent Expert on good practice in safe drinking water and sanitation? Take part in the Good Practice Questionaire before 30th July 2010.  

More information on the Independent Expert can be found on the UN website here.