On the 15 September 2010, Catarina de Albuquerque delivered a statement at the 15th session of the Human Rights Council, calling the GA resolution a breakthrough and introducing this year’s thematic report. Catarina de Albuquerque describes the General Assembly resolution of 28 July 2010 as a breakthrough, demonstrating the political will of the international community to secure universal access to safe drinking water and sanitation.
Albuquerque’s thematic review focuses on the human rights obligations and responsibilities which apply in cases where non-State service providers are involved in water and sanitation service delivery. Albuquerque held three consultations to prepare the report and draws upon a framework of the Special Representative of the Secretary General, John Ruggie, to define private sector responsibilities related to human rights.
The report highlights a number of challenges encountered in private sector provision, and recognises the complex human rights obligations it entails. While non State service providers have human rights responsibilities the State has strict obligations to monitor and ensure individual’s human rights are not violated. The report gives recommendations for both States and service providers to better comply with the human rights obligations relating to access to water and sanitation.
Catarina de Albuquerque then briefly addressed her work on compiling best practices and gave accounts of her country visits to Egypt, Bangladesh and Slovenia.
