There had been arguments on whether lack of access to water and privatization of water is a violation of rights. YEJIDE GBENGA-OGUNDARE in this report for the Nigerian Tribune highlights the international declarations that make access to water fundamental human rights. Here some short parts out of this article:
The Blue Communities project is spearheaded by the Ecumenical Water Network Africa (EWNA) of the World Council of Churches with its headquarters in Ibadan, Nigeria and it became a Blue Community on May 1, 2024 to run programs for voices for water justice in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and South Africa, and with a presence additionally in Togo and Gambia.
EWNA recognizes the necessity of putting equitable access to water resources, environmental and climate justice across Africa as a human right and is conscious of need to address the pressing challenges facing water accessibility, constitutional recognition as a human right and environmental threats it faces in Africa especially in the trends of privatization and promote Blue Community initiative as a tool to resist water privatization and retain water as a public good.
The project is built on a project themed “Together for Water Justice,” which it will use to build voices for water justice in the five countries by initiating and promoting Blue Churches and Schools concept, organize ‘Water saves lives’ webinar every quarter to discuss water Justice issues that can dovetail into the United Nations Universal Periodic Review of Human Rights reporting session of the focus countries and demands for water justice and resistance to water privatization among other efforts to ensure human rights are not being violated in terms of water and sanitation.
Blue Community promotes cooperation with public partners so that knowledge and experience remain in the hands and under the control of the citizens and accessible to the general public, that is, the state or local community has ultimate responsibility and ensures control over the water supply, even if it contracts third parties.
Reverend Fadahunsi, coordinator for the EWNA and the Blue Community Africa, is quoted stating:
“Rights-holders can claim their rights and duty-bearers must guarantee the rights to water and sanitation equally and without discrimination and human rights law demands a ‘pro poor’ focus. Duty-bearers must direct their interventions to those most in need, and develop their capacities to fulfill their obligations. A human rights-based approach also creates a framework for rights-holders to participate, and to hold duty-bearers accountable.
This is the time for all barriers to water and sanitation access must be overcome; laws and governance must address all reasons for discrimination including sex, gender, ethnicity, religion, caste, disability, age, health status, and economic status.”
