Water and sanitation have been formally recognised as human rights as they are indispensable for the full enjoyment of the right to life, the right to health and the right to dignity. A groundbreaking resolution was passed by the General Assembly in July 2010. Later the same year a Human Rights Council resolution was affirmed through consensus, confirming that the right to water and sanitation already exists in international law.

WaterAid/Jon Spaull

However, as recommended by the Independent Expert, there is a process underway to recognise water and sanitation as individual rights. The protection and fulfilment of the rights to water and sanitation requires specific measures, and therefore should be fully recognised as autonomous human rights.

All human beings depend on a daily amount of safe drinking water for consumption, personal hygiene and subsistence, and on a hygienic and dignified method for excreta disposal to avoid disease.

For more information on the legal basis of these rights please see the timeline on international human rights law, and for information on what governments have recognised the right in their domestic legislation please see the right to water and sanitation in national law.