Chapter 2 - Water and Vulnerable Groups. Contextualising Vulnerability and Identifying Vulnerable Groups in Relation to the Human Right to Water

Summary

‘True sustainability can be achieved only when everyone has access to services.’

INTRODUCTION

Vulnerable groups having access to water for domestic purposes remains a challenge in many states, especially where there are scarce resources. Achieving universal access and sustainable access are often considered to be mutually exclusive as some states argue that providing access to water for everyone will prevent them from managing their water sustainably as it will put additional pressure on their water resources. Nevertheless, the amount of water which is globally available is sufficient to provide everyone with drinking water. The current situation where segments of society still lack access hints at issues regarding water allocation and exclusion, while the human rights framework requires states to achieve universal access and to use resources effectively.

Currently, it is estimated that 663 million people, one in ten people globally, lack access to safe water. ‘Not having access to water and sanitation is a polite euphemism for a form of deprivation that threatens life, destroys opportunities and undermines human dignity. Being without access to water means that people resort to ditches, rivers and lakes polluted with human or animal excrement or used by animals. It also means not having sufficient water to meet even the most basic human needs.’ The majority of those without access to water live in the developing regions of Sub-Saharan Africa and Southern Asia. However, major inequalities are also experienced between nations and regions as well as internally as water resources and connected services are often not equally distributed. For instance, in Yemen only around 50 percent of the population have access to safe drinking water and the overwhelming majority of those without access live in rural areas. And even in developed states these disparities are noticeable. For instance, many First Nations of Canada experience deplorable conditions concerning drinking water and sanitation. In 2007, only 37 percent of their water systems were maintained by certified water system operators. As a result, the drinking water in many communities was unsuitable for drinking purposes unless boiled or treated in another appropriate manner.

This study focusses on vulnerable groups as they are most often the groups who lack access to water and could benefit from access to water being recognised as a human right. Unserved and underserved communities are struggling to meet their water needs and look for alternative ways to do this.