WaterAid looks to Japan

Shinzo Abe and Angela Merkel at the 2007 G8

Credit: Federal Government/Maro

Disappointed by the outcomes from Germany's 2007 G8, WaterAid is now looking to the Japanese government to set an agenda in 2008 which really responds to the world's needs.

Tony Blair was pleased with the agreement reached on climate change, claiming that this would not have been possible two years ago. But what about the agreements that were made two years ago; the promise to deliver more and better aid to those living in extreme poverty? When will these agreements be met?

WaterAid mourns the lack of action on water and sanitation. The G8 have overlooked the UN's compelling Human Development Report, which stated that urgent action is needed to tackle the global water crisis.

This G8 summit has done nothing for the billions of people living without clean water and sanitation. This means 1.8 million children will die from water-related diseases before the next G8 convenes.

WaterAid now looks to the Japanese government, as sponsors of the UN's international year of sanitation in 2008, and as the largest bilateral donor to the water sector, to provide leadership in addressing the ignored water and sanitation crisis.

Endnotes

Communiqué documents (Growth and responsibility in Africa and the Annex) from the summit, released on 8 June, fail to make any mention of water or sanitation despite saying:
 
"We reaffirm that no country seriously committed to "Education for All" will be thwarted in their achievement of this goal by lack of resources." (Para 37)
 
"Diseases, preventable and treatable, hold back many Africans from leading healthy and productive lives." (Para 46)
 
"By achieving MDG on education, 700,000 new HIV infections could be prevented every year.  Education not only improves the understanding of infectious diseases but also improves women's and girls economic prospects and empowers them." (Para 51)

For interviews with Stephen Turner, WaterAid Policy Director, call +44 (0)7789698517