Toilets are a place for peace. This essential space, at the centre of our lives, should be safe and secure. But for billions of people, sanitation is under threat from conflict, climate change, disasters and neglect.
World Toilet Day was established in 2001 by the World Toilet Organization (WTO), founded by Jack Sim. 2013, the United Nations officially recognized this day, marking a significant milestone in the global sanitation movement. As Jack Sim aptly puts it, “What we don’t discuss, we can’t improve.” This sentiment underscores the importance of breaking the taboo surrounding toilet talk.
The UN’s involvement elevated the day’s status, leading to the adoption of the first UN resolution on sanitation titled “Sanitation for All” by 122 countries. This resolution emphasized the urgent need to address the global sanitation crisis and its impact on human health, dignity, and environmental sustainability.
‘Safe toilets for all by 2030’ is one of the targets of Sustainable Development Goal 6 – but the world is seriously off track. 3.5 billion people still live without safely managed sanitation, including 419 million who practise open defecation. Faster action to improve and protect people’s access to sanitation is critical to building a fairer, more peaceful world.
Toilets under threat
Conflict, extreme weather events and disasters can destroy, damage or disrupt sanitation services. When toilet systems don’t work – or don’t exist – untreated human waste spreads in the environment, unleashing deadly diseases such as cholera. Governments must ensure that sanitation and water services are resilient, effective, accessible to everyone and shielded from harm.
Key messages you should know on World Toilet Day 2024
- Toilets are a place for peace. This essential space, at the centre of our lives, should be safe and secure. But for billions of people, sanitation is under threat from conflict, climate change, disasters and neglect.
- Toilets are a place for protection. By creating a barrier between us and our waste, sanitation services are essential for public and environmental health. But when toilet systems are inadequate, damaged or broken, pollution spreads and deadly diseases get unleashed.
- Toilets are a place for progress. Sanitation is a human right. It protects everyone’s dignity, and especially transforms the lives of women and girls. More investment and better governance of sanitation are critical for a fairer, more peaceful world.
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