Policy Path

• Researching links between the right to water and topical policy issues and strengthening the integration of the right to water into such areas. For example, incorporating the right to water into poverty reduction strategies, the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), policies on corporate social responsibility and debates concerning the privatisation of water supply and sanitation services.
• Undertaking a global advocacy campaign around the right to water, involving influential international organisations, such as the International Parliamentary Union.
• Maximising the participation of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in international water conferences, through advocating: increased sponsorship for the participation of individuals and organisations (particularly those from developing countries); the integration of non-governmental and governmental meetings at such conferences to avoid marginalized NGO ‘fringe’ meetings; widespread dissemination of conference outcomes and comprehensive follow-up activities.
• Advocacy surrounding international trade and financial institutions. For example, the campaign to remove water from the World Trade Organization’s General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) or advocating the strengthening of complaint mechanisms, such as the World Bank’s Inspection Panel.
• Encouraging and facilitating multi-sectoral and multi-disciplinary cooperation and exchange of information and best practice around the right to water.
• Working water priorities into national budgets and aid commitments