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Counsellor Dr. Michael Espiritu Delivered a Statement on Safe Drinking Water and Sanitation as a Human Right at the UNGA Third Committee

18/10/2024

On October 18, 2024, Counsellor Dr. Michael Espiritu addressed the United Nations General Assembly Third Committee on the topic of “Safe Drinking Water and Sanitation as a Human Right.”

Opening the session, Mr. Pedro Arrojo-Agudo, Special Rapporteur on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation, presented his report, emphasising the close connection between global food and water crises, a link that has grown critical under the pressures of climate change. Mr. Arrojo-Agudo argued that the right to water must go beyond personal and domestic use, encompassing water necessary for nutritional needs in households. He emphasised that the human right to safe drinking water is deeply tied to both the right to food and the right to a healthy, sustainable environment.

Addressing resilience to drought, Mr. Arrojo-Agudo underscored that while he supports technological advancements, the primary focus should be on a human rights-based approach. Such an approach, he argued, prioritises ecosystem health and social participation, aiming for sustainable connections between water and environmental resilience. He highlighted the importance of leveraging indigenous knowledge in agro-production, advocating for climate adaptation strategies rooted in water and food security, family farm resilience, and drought-adapted seeds, as well as promoting local circular economies.

The Special Rapporteur further stressed that minimising the risk of flooding and drought is essential to ensure the availability of safe drinking water, sanitation, and food security for all. He also expressed concern over the disturbing trend of using water deprivation as a weapon of war.

In this statement, Dr. Espiritu stressed that, despite growing demand driven by population increase, urbanisation, and needs in agriculture and industry, access to clean water remains inadequate, with half of the world’s population experiencing severe water scarcity for at least one month annually. He added that the situation is worsened by climate change and how this disproportionately impacts displaced persons, exposing them to preventable diseases such as cholera and dysentery, and how the lack of water and sanitation also disrupts education, reinforcing cycles of poverty.

Dr. Espiritu noted how the Sovereign Order of Malta, through Malteser International, employs an integrated approach to address water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) in their health initiatives globally.

Dr. Espiritu emphasised that long-term, sustainable solutions require addressing the root causes of water scarcity, working collaboratively to end the cycles of poverty that perpetuate these crises, and ensuring the fundamental rights of all are protected.

Categories:  News, Statements