Professor David Boyd (School of Public Policy and Global Affairs; Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability), in his role as the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and the Environment, presented a report to the forty-sixth session of the UN Human Rights Council on the global water crisis titled “Human rights and the global water crisis: water pollution, water scarcity and water-related disasters.” In the report, Dr. Boyd describes safe and sufficient water as a critical component to the right to a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment.
The report outlines the causes and consequences of the global water crisis, examining the negative impacts of water pollution, water scarcity, and water-related disasters and their disproportionate effects upon marginalized populations.
The Special Rapporteur provides a seven-step process for States to employ a rights-based approach to water governance – to alleviate urgent issues like water scarcity – as well as recommendations for actions. The human rights obligations related to water pollution and scarcity are legally enforceable obligations, not only policy options or aspirations, reflecting existing commitments pursuant to international human rights law. Dr. Boyd also urges businesses to contribute to and support efforts to ensure safe and sufficient water for all.
Learn more about the report in the infographics below (credit: UBC IRES):
