The Human Rights to Water and Sanitation – in every constitution and with binding legal regulations
On 28 July 2010, the General Assembly of the United Nations accepted the Human Rights to Water and Sanitation by adopting Resolution 64/292. After 16 years, it is time for states to comply. We must transition from recognition to realization. In order for the Human Rights to Water and Sanitation to be effective, they must become a political priority and be written into every constitution.
To mark World Water Day 2026 (March 22) and in the lead-up to the UN Water Conference from 2-4 December 2026 in Dakar, we are making a call to action:
We call on all states to amend their constitutions to include the Human Rights to Water and Sanitation, and to enact laws and bylaws to implement and enforce these rights to:
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ensure that state institutions grant the human right to water and sanitation to all citizens, especially the vulnerable and deprived population. Human and financial resources must be allocated accordingly.
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guarantee that water and sanitation are protected from pollution and privatization. They must be a public service under public control, accountable to citizens, with their involvement and active participation.
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make sure safe drinking water is accessible and available everywhere, offering a real alternative to commercialized bottled water / sachets and the plastic waste they cause.
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monitor and report progress by involving civil society and citizens.
The Global Call for the Human Rights to Water and Sanitation was initiated by the Blue Community Network. More and more institutions, organizations, and individuals have added their voice to the Global Call #HRWatsan2026. See the complete list of signatory parties here.
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Enshrining water and sanitation in the constitution does not guarantee access to safe water and sanitation for everyone. The implementation depends on laws and their enforcement, the accountability of institutions, and the availability and allocation of financial means and human resources. But constitutional recognition creates a strong legal basis for defending access to clean water and sanitation in courts and shapes national water policy — offering a higher level of legal protection than statutory law alone.
