Do you have a right to water? - BBC Learning English

Summary

Water is a basic human need, but access to safe water is still a struggle for billions worldwide. Despite being recognized as a human right by the UN in 2010, nearly two billion people lack safe drinking water. The law plays a critical role in protecting this right, with both binding international treaties and softer agreements aimed at raising awareness and guiding actions. Campaigners and international organizations are working towards ensuring clean water access for all by 2030, but political will and accountability are key to making these laws meaningful and effective.

Takeaways

• 😀 Access to safe water is a fundamental human right, but over two billion people worldwide still lack it.
• 😀 In 2010, the United Nations recognized clean water and sanitation as a human right, which is essential for exercising all other basic rights.
• 😀 Historically, water was not initially included in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, but this was addressed in 2010 due to rising population and pollution concerns.
• 😀 Sub-Saharan Africa faces the greatest challenges in water access, with only 24% of the population having safe drinking water.
• 😀 Laws are essential to protect water rights, define what values a society holds, and ensure that governments and organizations cannot deny access to water.
• 😀 Hard law, such as international treaties, is binding, while soft law (e.g., UN resolutions) helps interpret and guide the application of hard laws.
• 😀 The recognition of the right to water raises awareness and encourages people to demand better water services from local authorities or service providers.
• 😀 Having the legal right to water can make a huge difference by holding governments accountable and helping citizens access resources and compensation.
• 😀 The UN aims to ensure global access to clean water by 2030, with countries like Rwanda setting ambitious national goals for water accessibility.
• 😀 Campaigners like Amanda Loeffen and Joyce are actively working to increase awareness and improve water access, focusing on local and international support.
• 😀 International law mainly deals with water disputes between countries, while national laws are crucial for enforcing water rights within a country.
• 😀 Political will is critical to ensure water laws are enforced; without it, even well-crafted laws risk becoming ineffective.
• 😀 Social media platforms can help raise awareness about water access issues and encourage global action on specific events like World Water Day.

Q & A

Why was the right to water not initially included in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948?

The right to water was not included because the authors of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights thought it was too obvious. They focused on other fundamental rights, assuming that access to water was already a given.

When did the United Nations officially recognize access to safe drinking water as a human right?

The United Nations officially recognized access to safe drinking water and sanitation as a human right on July 28, 2010.

What percentage of people in Sub-Saharan Africa have access to safe drinking water?

In Sub-Saharan Africa, only 24% of the population has access to safe drinking water.

What are 'hard laws' and 'soft laws' in the context of the right to water?

'Hard laws' refer to binding legal documents like international treaties that countries must follow, while 'soft laws' are non-binding resolutions or declarations, such as those from the United Nations, that guide the interpretation of hard laws.

How do hard and soft laws work together to ensure the right to water?

Hard laws establish binding obligations for countries, and soft laws help interpret and support the implementation of those obligations. Together, they create a framework for ensuring the right to water.

What role do local politicians play in ensuring access to water through laws?

Local politicians are crucial in ensuring that water laws are enforced. Without political will, laws related to access to water can become ineffective, as enforcement depends on local governments taking action.

What is the significance of the right to water for communities facing water scarcity?

The right to water ensures that governments must protect, respect, and fulfill citizens' access to water. It guarantees that if a community is deprived of water, they can seek compensation or help from authorities.

How does the recognition of water as a right encourage people to take action?

When people recognize that water is a right, they become more aware of their entitlement and are encouraged to seek assistance from local authorities, ombudsmen, or water service providers to resolve their water issues.

What is the target set by the United Nations for global access to clean water by 2030?

The United Nations aims to provide universal access to clean water by 2030, with a focus on ensuring people in urban areas have access within 200 meters and those in rural areas within 500 meters.

What can individuals do to help improve access to water for those who are struggling?

Individuals can raise awareness by using social media platforms to highlight water issues, engage in dialogue around events like World Water Day or International Groundwater Day, and put pressure on governments and international organizations to act.