A thirst for dignity: A call for global action and equity

Published in The Reporter Ethiopia November 2, 2024

Water is fundamental to life. Its scarcity impacts millions globally, leading to serious health, economic, and social issues.

The global water crisis, where two billion people (26 percent of the population) lack safe drinking water and 3.6 billion (46 percent) lack access to safely managed sanitation, urges us to pay close attention to the experiences of those without access to clean water. However, statistics alone cannot capture the profound human impact of this issue. Think of a woman in rural Africa who travels miles daily to collect contaminated water, jeopardizing her health and missing out on educational and economic opportunities; a young girl facing challenges with menstrual hygiene due to water scarcity, leading to school absenteeism; and a child in an urban slum whose development is stunted by waterborne illnesses.

These situations are more than just statistics.They represent the daily struggles of billions worldwide, often overshadowed by political and bureaucratic complexities. As we tackle water rights, pricing, and resource management issues, it is vital to remember the human stories behind these numbers. Those affected are not merely seeking water; they are seeking dignity, opportunity, and other fundamental rights many of us take for granted.

Water as a Human Right

We often consider human rights as absolute and unavoidable principles. In essence, this is true as human rights are inherent to every individual, regardless of any characteristic.However, these rights can face limitations in practice. Situations such as states of emergency, national security threats, legal proceedings, and public health crises like pandemics may necessitate temporary restrictions on certain rights. These measures, as outlined in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, are not arbitrary but are considered essential for the greater good of societal welfare.

Moreover, human rights are interconnected and cannot be viewed in isolation. For instance, the Right to Water is not an optional consideration. It is a fundamental human right acknowledged by a UN Resolution in 2010. Access to clean water is essential for realizing other basic rights, such as the right to life, health, food, housing, and education. Yet, two billion people worldwide still lack access to safe and clean water, highlighting a significant global shortfall in our commitment to uphold these fundamental rights.

While the idea that access to water is an inviolable human right is widely supported, it can sometimes oversimplify a multifaceted issue and create unrealistic expectations.One common misconception is that water should be provided free of charge. This perspective does not consider the substantial costs associated with purification and distribution. Establishing reasonable pricing structures is essential not only for sustainability, but also for encouraging responsible usage and conservation.

Global Disparities and Implementation Gapsin Water Rights

In 2010, the UN General Assembly recognized the right to safe and clean drinking water as a Human Right. However, 41 nations abstained from the vote, reflecting differing global perspectives. The implementation of this right varies significantly across countries. For instance, Ecuador’s constitution explicitly guarantees access to clean water, and the European Union actively promotes this principle. In India, the Supreme Court interprets the constitutional right to life to include clean water, yet pollution remains a pressing challenge. Conversely, the United States federal government does not officially recognize water as a Human Right, despite the Safe Drinking Water Act ensuring water quality.

Examining the right to water across Africa reveals notable contrasts. In South Africa, constitutional guarantees and robust legislation demonstrate a progressive approach, though implementation gaps persist. East Africa, including countries like Kenya, shows legal recognition but faces challenges with infrastructure and resource management. West Africa encounters severe difficulties, with countries like Nigeria grappling with corruption and inadequate investment, leaving millions without reliable water access. Meanwhile, North Africa, despite better infrastructure, is strained by water scarcity and political instability. Overall, the continent’s water rights landscape is characterized by commendable legal frameworks hindered by execution challenges, emphasizing the urgent need for improved governance and investment.

It is a challenging reality that a continent with abundant water resources struggles to provide this necessity to its people. Africa must prioritize investment in water infrastructure, address corruption, and adopt sustainable resource management practices to improve water access across the continent.Similarly, there’s an urgent need for a global commitment to ensure clean water access for all as stated in Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 6.

A Call for Collaborative Action: Citizens and Government Working Together

Water is both a personal and collective concern and ensuring access is a shared responsibility that necessitates collaboration between citizens and governments.

In Ethiopia, there are significant challenges around water infrastructure and availability.Substantial investments in infrastructure are necessary to ensure the equitable distribution of water resources across the country.In addition, transparency in water management and budget allocations is essential for combating corruption and inefficiency.The Ministry of Water and Energy has a critical role in establishing robust legal frameworks to ensure citizens’ right to water. These frameworks should actively involve citizens in decision-making processes that impact their daily lives. By addressing these challenges collaboratively, Ethiopia can move toward providing equitable access to water for all citizens, fostering a future where everyone can rely on a consistent and dependable supply.

Grassroots movements and civil society organizations also play a crucial role in holding responsible government entities accountable for implementing transparent and effective policies that recognize water as a human right. For instance, organizations like African Women in Water and Climate (AfWWC) focus on training, advocacy, and mentoring to build skills in water management and climate change adaptation. These initiatives are vital for upholding water rights and empowering communities to access and maintain safe, reliable water sources despite environmental challenges. Effective water management skills are essential to prevent scarcity and contamination, while climate change adaptation strategies help communities sustain water access amid shifting conditions.

Empowering Women in Water Management

For water interventions to be effective, it is essential to include women in water-related decision-making and leadership roles. Women often manage household water needs in both urban and rural settings, bringing valuable insights and skills to water management issues. Leveraging these skills can lead to more effective policies that address real-world challenges and alleviating the burden on women in society.

Excluding women from water governance decisions can hinder progress and perpetuate inequality, ultimately affecting the well-being of communities. Their participation is essential for developing effective and sustainable solutions to water management challenges.

In conclusion, access to clean water is not just a basic need; it is a fundamental human right that remains out of reach for billions around the world. The global water crisis, exacerbated by inadequate infrastructure, poor governance, and climate change, demands urgent attention and collaborative action. Governments, citizens, and civil society must work together to ensure equitable water distribution, foster transparency, and empower vulnerable communities, particularly women, in water management. As we strive to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal of universal water access, it is vital to remember that behind every statistic is a human story—a story of dignity, opportunity, and the pursuit of a better life.

Sesen Wolday is a political science and international relations student at the university of Messina, Italy and a political intern at AfWWC. Yodit Balchais a Climate Adaptation Research Officer at Alliance Bioversity International – CIAT, Africa Hub in Addis Ababa. She also holds an MSc in Sustainable Development from Uppsala University, Sweden. Zablon Adane is a senior associate at the World Resources Institute. He holds a doctorate in hydrogeology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He is also the lead of the Water Program in Ethiopia.

Authors: Sesen Wolday, Yodit Balcha & Zablon Adane(PhD)