28 September 2011: The UN Human Rights Council (HRC) has adopted, by consensus, a resolution on the human right to safe drinking water and sanitation (A/HRC/18/L1). During the debate, the Council welcomed the recommendations and clarifications with regard to national and local development strategies on the right to safe drinking water and sanitation provided in the third annual report of Special Rapporteur Catarina de Albuquerque. The Council also welcomed the submissions of good practices on the right to safe drinking water and sanitation, and the practical solutions provided. The resolution encourages HRC member States to monitor the status of the realization of the right to safe drinking water and sanitation based on the human rights based approach principles of availability, quality, acceptability, accessibility and affordability. The resolution calls upon States to set targets for universal service provision to be reached in short time periods.

The resolution highlights national, regional and international initiatives; the important role of the international cooperation and technical assistance provided by States, the UN system, and international and development partners. [OHCHR News] [Draft Resolution (A/HRC/18/L.1) Adopted in HRC]