Three out of ten people do not have access to safe drinking water. This information was provided by the United Nations through a report on World Water Development in 2019. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends using 50 litres of water a day per person. In Argentina, on average, we use 317 litres per person every day. That is 500% more water than we should use. Distribution of water is extremely unequal, and discrimination is a significant cause of this. An important issue the UN report explores is who are the people that are being left behind when it comes to human rights regarding water usage.
Safe drinking water and sanitation are basic human rights. It is common for governments to proclaim “pro-poor” measures, but they rarely monitor the service provision .
The report states that “improving water resources management and providing access to safe and affordable drinking water and sanitation for all is essential for eradicating poverty, building peaceful and prosperous societies, and ensuring that ‘no one is left behind’ on the road towards sustainable development. These goals are entirely achievable, provided there is a collective will to do so”.
Women and girls usually experience discrimination and inequality when it comes to enjoying their human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation.
Water infrastructure is extremely sparse in poor rural areas. Millions of rural women, men and children are not covered by water and sanitation services.
Poor people often pay a much higher price for a lesser quality service of water than wealthier people.
Refugees and internally displaced people face barriers to access basic water supply and sanitation services, even if states have the responsibility to ensure that all of them are granted the rights to adequate sanitation and water, without regard to any classification that may serve as hindrance.
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