Below is a timeline documenting the development of the right to water and sanitation in international human rights and humanitarian law. This international framework provides the legal basis for the rights.

September 2010 United Nations Human Rights Council resolution on human rights and access to safe drinking water and sanitation

July 2010 United Nations General Assembly resolution on the right to water and sanitation

2009 Report of the Independent Expert on the issue of human rights obligations related to access to safe drinking water and sanitation

September 2008 Catarina de Albuquerque is appointed as the Independent Expert on the issue of human rights obligations related to access to safe drinking water and sanitation

March 2008 Human Rights Council Resolution on Human Rights and access to safe drinking water and sanitation

2007 Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on the scope and content of the relevant human rights obligations related to equitable access to safe drinking water and sanitation under international human rights instruments

2006 Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

2002 General Comment No. 15- Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights

1999 Protocol on Water and Health to the 1992 Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and Lakes

1989 Convention on the Rights of the Child

1979 Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women

1966 International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights

1966 International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights

1949 Geneva Conventions

1948 The Universal Declaration of Human Rights