International organizations launched projects connecting human rights, health and IWRM, at a range of events during World Water Week in Stockholm.

The World Water Council launched a project on overcoming challenges to implementing the human rights to water and sanitation, while the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) announced a cooperation agreement with the Global Water Partnership linking water quality with human health.

29 August 2017: International organizations launched projects connecting human rights, health and IWRM at a range of events during World Water Week in Stockholm. The World Water Council launched a project on overcoming challenges to implementing the human rights to water and sanitation, while the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) announced a cooperation agreement with the Global Water Partnership linking water quality with human health.

WWC is welcoming all interested members to be part of a multi-stakeholder consultation group on its project, which will be assessing the state of human rights to water and sanitation. The membership organization has a history of action in this area, as it has campaigned for recognition of these rights from the early 2000s. The Human Rights Council appointed its first Special Rapporteur on the right to water and sanitation in 2008.

The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), a regional body set up by CARICOM, signed an MoU with the Global Water Partnership – Caribbean (GWP-C) agreeing to collaborate on regional and national water resource policies, partnerships for IWRM, and adaption to climate change. James Hospedales, CARPHA Executive Director, highlighted the importance of water quality for human health, and stated that the agreement with GWP-C will promote water security and help preserve the region’s water resources. GWP-C Chair Judy Daniel noted that the MoU will promote Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) among Caribbean countries. GWP-C is one of 13 regional partnerships of the GWP.

The Water Youth Network, a partnership of young people from more than 20 countries, ran sessions at World Water Week on reducing waste and reusing water, and on valuing water. The network mobilized during the lead-up to the 21st session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 21) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, when they released a White Paper with recommendations for action on climate change, water and agriculture, water and health, water-related risks, and sharing water resources. WYN is part of the Global Water Partnership’s Youth for Water and Climate initiative.

On 29 August, the academic publisher Elsevier, the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI) and Stanford University launched a new water security journal titled, ‘Water Security’. The journal will publish articles on the topics of water shortages, flooding, governance challenges, and health and sanitation. The publishers aim to promote understanding of the various drivers influencing water security, and highlight areas for further research.

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