HRC57 - NB8 statement - Safe drinking water and sanitation

Human Rights Council ‒ 57th session
Item 3: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation
Statement by Finland on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states
16 September 2024

Mr. President,

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states.

We thank the Special Rapporteur for his report. The rights to safe and clean drinking water and sanitation belong to all, without discrimination. The realization of these rights requires strong national legislation and consistent monitoring.

We support the report’s emphasis on a sustainable, human rights-based approach to water management. More than a quarter of the world’s population lack access to safely managed drinking water. Women and girls as well as persons with disabilities are among those disproportionately affected.

Inequalities in access to water supply and sanitation services can lead to conflict. However, with collaborative and human rights-based management, water can also be source of peace.

We must ensure that water, sanitation and hygiene systems are designed and implemented using a gender and disability inclusive approach.

How can we make sure that water resources are managed in a way that addresses the root causes of gender inequality and protects and promotes sexual and reproductive health and rights?

I thank you.