Sanitation: A human rights imperative

In 2002 WaterAid successfully lobbied the UN for recognition of the Right to Water.

Credit: WaterAid / Marco Betti

9 December 2008

Wednesday 10 December 2008 marks the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the establishment of which was a profound step in world development.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is the international legal framework recognising the dignity and equality of all persons. They are basic rights that belong to all people regardless of their nationality, race ethnicity, gender or religion, and without which people cannot live in dignity.

While making a significant contribution to human development 60 years on millions of people around the world still live in abject poverty. In 2002 WaterAid  successfully lobbied the UN for recognition of the Right to Water.

In 2009 we will continue to lobby for the right to sanitation. Find out more about why sanitation is a serious human rights issue from WaterAid's joint publication with COHRE and UN-HABITAT below.

Short versions:

• Sanitation: A human rights imperative ( PDF 1.54Mb) English
• L'Assainissement : un impératif pour les droits de l’homme  ( 1.51Mb) French
• Saneamiento: un imperativo de derechos humanos ( 1.55Mb) Spanish

Long versions:

• Sanitation: A human rights imperative ( PDF 1.02Mb) English
• L'Assainissement : un impératif pour les droits de l’homme  ( 1.06Mb) French