Background

Since the UN Water Conference, two expressions have been used among water and sanitation actors: on the one hand, that water is a global common good and, similarly, that the water cycle is a global common good.

The Special Rapporteur considers it essential to clarify and analyse these expressions from a human rights perspective. In this regard, building on his 2021 report on the "Risks and impacts of the commodification and financialization of water on human rights" (A/76/159), and on the report of his predecessor from 2020 “Human Rights and the privatization of water and sanitation services” (A/75/208) the Special Rapporteur will focus his report to the UN Human Rights Council in 2024 on the economic values assigned to water and aquatic ecosystems from a human rights-based approach.

Objectives

The objectives of the report are:

1. To identify the values at stake and functions of water and establish a priority criterion for water management.
2. Clarify the concepts of natural heritage, public good and common good regarding aquatic ecosystems and water, as well as the role of the State in their management.
3. Propose principles, strategies, and tools for the efficient, equitable and responsible management of water concerning services and productive activities, as a common good and from a human rights approach.
4. Showcase examples and practical references in managing water for services and productive activities, as a common good and from a human rights approach.

The Special Rapporteur on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation, Pedro Arrojo-Agudo, wishes to thank States, indigenous peoples, civil society organizations, academic institutions, businesses, international organizations, individuals, and other stakeholders for their continued engagement with this mandate.

Key questions and types of input/comments sought

To facilitate the reception of inputs, the Special Rapporteur prepared a list of key information that he considers essential for the report.

The list could be answered entirely or partially according to the expertise and experience of those actors willing to contribute to the report.

Download the questionnaire (PDF): 
English | Français | Español