Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on the scope and content of the relevant human rights obligations related to equitable access to safe drinking water and sanitation under international human rights instruments

This report reviews international human rights obligations related to the provision of safe drinking water and sanitation. It discusses their scope and content, nature and monitoring, and points to areas needing further elaboration. The report is divided into five chapters. Chapter I reviews the legal framework and existing obligations related to equitable access to safe drinking water and sanitation. Chapters II, III and IV review the scope and content of the term “access to safe drinking water and sanitation”, the nature of the obligations of States in relation to access to safe drinking water and sanitation and the question of monitoring. Chapter V discusses issues needing further elaboration. The report ends with conclusions and recommendations to further strengthen and implement human rights obligations related to access to safe drinking water and sanitation. The report is submitted pursuant to Human Rights Council decision 2/104 of 27 November 2006 on human rights and access to water in which the Council requested the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to conduct a detailed study on the scope and content of the relevant human rights obligations related to equitable access to safe drinking water and sanitation under international human rights instruments, taking into account the views of States and other stakeholders.