WaterAid campaigners queue for change

Supporters queue for the toilet outside the Japanese Embassy in London

Credit: WaterAid / Randy Quan

938,943 call to Japanese G8 leadership to provide taps and toilets for all.

On Wednesday 2 July 2008 WaterAid supporters and staff joined other End Water Poverty campaigners to stage a queue for an inflatable toilet outside the Japanese Embassy in London. Just five days before the start of the G8 Summit in Japan, the event marked the official presentation of 938,943 actions taken across the globe, including signed postcards asking the Government of Japan to lead G8 countries in ensuring safe water and sanitation for all. The petition was handed over to Mr Takaoka, Economic Minister at the Embassy of Japan.

As hosts of the 2008 G8 Summit, the Government of Japan have committed to put water and sanitation on the summit agenda – a step warmly welcomed by us at WaterAid and other End Water Poverty campaigners. Yet we're fearful that this crucial opportunity may be lost if leaders fail to take concerted action. End Water Poverty are calling on leaders to agree a global action plan on water and sanitation, including a commitment that every country has enough money to deliver the 'taps and toilets' needed to provide life and dignity to their citizens.

Also joining the queue was Japanese Formula 1 racing driver and UK-Japan 2008 Goodwill Ambassador, Mr Takuma Sato. According to Mr Sato "I am delighted to know that Japan has put water and sanitation on this year's G8 agenda. It is such an important issue as I believe that everyone deserves the right to clean water and sanitation."

We would like to thank everyone who has supported the campaign so far and was able to join us today for the hand-in. We hope that your vital calls for sanitation and water for all will be heard by Japan and other G8 leaders next week. Together we can end water poverty!