European MEPs back resolution on water as a human right

Brussels – Social justice groups delivered a letter today to members of the European Parliament Heide Ruhle, Rosario Crocetta and a representative from MEP Jose Bove's office, calling on the EU to support a historic resolution currently being considered at the United Nations General Assembly to have water and sanitation declared as human rights. All three MEPs have agreed to lead a campaign within the EU to have Parliament endorse a UN resolution on the rights to water and sanitation.

Others among a growing list of MEPs to endorse the call include Michael Cashman, Joe Higgins, Enrique Guerrero Salom, and Bart Staes.

“This resolution is an important tool for achieving water justice for over a billion people without access to clean safe drinking water and over two billion without access to sanitation,” says Meera Karunananthan, national water campaigner at the Council of Canadians.

Advocates fear that the European Union, which will be voting as a block, may end up obstructing the measure.

“If the EU sees itself as a defender of human rights on the global stage, it is important that they support this initiative,” says Gabriella Zanzanaini, Director of European affairs for Food and Water Europe.

“While stronger measures are needed internationally, this resolution is a necessary first step and a powerful symbol towards democratic and sustainable water management,” says Martin Pigeon water justice campaigner and researcher for Corporate Europe Observatory.

The letter was signed by the following organizations: 11.11.11, Belgique, ACME (Association pour un contrat mondial de l'eau), the Blue Planet Project, Corporate Europe Observatory, the Council of Canadians, CEVI Centro di Volontariato Internazionale, Food and Water Europe, France Libertes and Public Services International.

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For more information, please contact:

Meera Karunananthan, +1 613 355 2100
Gabriella Zanzanaini, +32 488 409 662