the human right to water and sanitation in emergency situations

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14.3.1. Speaking out
At international and national levels, aid agencies and personnel can speak out against any abuses of human
rights witnessed, and offer evidence of and highlight violations or disregard for the right to water and
sanitation. This requires a methodology to pinpoint and document abuse as accurately as possible. The
previous chapter provides more detailed information on a suitable methodology, along with a plausible
interpretation of it.
On the other hand, an approach that concentrates on denouncing or exposing abuse or violations can
sometimes present serious risks for the safety, security and dignity of the affected individuals/communities.
It can similarly confront field teams responsible for identifying and collecting evidence of abuse with a real
dilemma. In fact, one of the recurring difficulties faced by humanitarian agencies is whether sustainable
water, sanitation and hygiene activities should be linked to evidence and exposure of observed infringements
of human rights, given that these activities could both limit their ability to provide water and sanitation
services to the populations they serve, and jeopardize the safety of their own personnel. Hence, and
depending upon both context and situation, it is clear that public exposure of breaches of human rights
is not always the best, nor the most sustainable solution, and that, on the contrary, this could gainsay the
initial goal of saving lives by ensuring the satisfaction of basic needs.
In our work:
Personnel working in the field are often the first to observe violations of the right to water and
sanitation. For this reason, field staff are in a position to:
- Collect accurate data on the populations affected;
- Confirm evidence to the fact that violation(s) of the right to water have indeed taken place;
- Provide detailed reports on the situation to Headquarters and international organizations mandated
to protect human rights;
- Determine, in consultation with Headquarters, whom else to inform and cooperate with other local
and international organizations working in the field, as well as with donors and governments;
- Consider whenever possible, conducting joint activities with other organizations in order to maximize
the effectiveness of action taken to redress violations of the right to water and sanitation of
people caught up in any kind of emergency. Here it would seem interesting to reflect upon the
opportunity offered by the WASH cluster that is composed of a group of humanitarian agencies
having a common core of values and tools in addition to their own proper specificities. This potential
for coordination could result in the communication of messages carrying much more weight
and the achievement of much better results 126 .
- Build up coalition and networks. Inter-disciplinary alliances involving NGOs working on water and
sanitation related issues, grassroots groups and human rights groups, etc. should be encouraged
to promote the advancement of water and sanitation rights within and across national borders.
- Develop options, in consultation with Headquarters, including private communications to offending
parties, formal representations to national authorities, public statements of concern, and
any other activities designed to protect the right to water and sanitation of those affected by
emergencies;
- Establish monitoring and reporting systems that document neglect or violations of the right to
water and sanitation.
126/ It seems important for organizations in the Cluster to speak, as far as possible, with one voice. This does not necessarily
mean that all organizations must be heard to say the same things, but that at least the messages should be consistent. Also,
the research base should be shared.
© ACF - THE HUMAN RIGHT TO WATER AND SANITATION IN EMERGENCY SITUATIONS