12 May 2017: The UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation, Léo Heller, reported on his 11-day mission to investigate access to water and sanitation in Mexico. His preliminary findings note that water and sanitation services are “extremely limited or non-existent” for significant numbers of people. According to the Human Rights Commission of the Federal District, 70% of the population receives water for less than 12 hours per day. Heller’s report also highlights the situation of vulnerable and under-served communities including those in informal settlements, indigenous peoples and rural communities, some of whom rely mainly on natural springs, untreated sources and water delivery by donkey.

Heller’s trip, from 2-12 May, was undertaken at the invitation of the Government of Mexico. His report highlights current challenges in providing water and sanitation services to the population of 120 million, including recent cuts to federal budgets due to falling oil prices, difficulties in reaching dispersed communities, and political reluctance to “legitimize” informal settlements by providing settlers with piped water and sanitation services. He acknowledged official statistics, based on the existence of infrastructure, that 93-94% of the population has water and sanitation coverage. However, he noted that actual access to services is much lower.

Heller called on the Government of Mexico to respect the human right to water and sanitation, underscoring the need to “leave no one behind” in efforts to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Heller also highlighted that a Constitutional amendment guaranteeing the human right to water and sanitation was adopted in Mexico more than five years ago. It required the adoption of an updated water law within the year, but this has not yet occurred. He urged Mexico to pass the new water law in consultation with all stakeholders. He called on the Government of Mexico to respect the human right to water and sanitation, underscoring the need to “leave no one behind” in efforts to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 of the Agenda addresses clean water and sanitation.

A full report of his findings and recommendations will be made to the Human Rights Council in September 2017.

Léo Heller was appointed to the position of Special Rapporteur on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation in November 2014. [Special Rapporteur’s Statement] [OHCHR Press Release on Special Rapporteur’s Findings] [OHCHR Announcement of Special Rapporteur Visit]