EU Statement – UN General Assembly 3rd Committee: Interactive dialogue on the Rights to water and sanitation

Thank you, chair,

On behalf of the European Union and its Members States, I would like to thank the Special Rapporteur for his statement.

Mr. Special Rapporteur, the EU welcomes your report and strongly supports your mandate, recognizing that water is not just a commodity but a source of life and dignity. This year represents a turning point, with the UN 2023 Water Conference, generating significant political momentum and commitment towards enhancing water action at all levels.Access to water and sanitation is a human right entitling everyone, without discrimination, to sufficient, safe, acceptable, accessible, and affordable water and sanitation.

We particularly welcome the present report's focus on transboundary water management, highlighting its crucial importance in the context of combatting climate change. The EU is committed to working with the UN and its partners to promote water cooperation and diplomacy around the world. We believe that water can be a force for peace and prosperity, and that it is essential to address the pressing transboundary challenges of water management.

We hope that the findings of this year's annual report will feed into the preparations of the UN system-wide strategy on water and sanitation, which was recently mandated by the General Assembly to improve coordination among agencies and mainstream water across the UN system.

The EU vision for 2050 is a water-resilient society with water security for all. This means protecting and restoring aquatic ecosystems and achieving a fair balance between water supply and demand that meets current needs, including the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation, without compromising the rights of future generations.

We have a long track record of water cooperation in Africa, Latin America, and Central Asia. We are working with our partners to develop and implement integrated water resources management plans, to strengthen transboundary water institutions, and to promote water-energy-climate linkages.

As you highlighted in your report, particular attention should be paid to women and girls. They are often tasked with fetching water, which can reduce their ability to attend school or to work and can put them at increased risk of sexual and gender-based violence. In addition, the design of water and sanitation facilities should be safe and include menstrual hygiene management.

The EU has one of the most advanced legal and policy frameworks on water in the world. We are also one of the leading international donors of development and humanitarian aid for water and sanitation. We are using our expertise and resources to support water cooperation and diplomacy around the world. We believe that water is a key to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and building a more peaceful and prosperous future for all.

Mr. Special Rapporteur,

How can the EU and other regional organizations best support transboundary water management and cooperation, particularly in regions where water resources are scarce and/or under pressure from climate change?

I thank you.

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