The Ecumenical Water Network The Ecumenical Water Network
- Photo: Pablo León-Asuero Moreno / Flickr.com/photos/kapuxino
an initiative of Christian churches, organizations, and movements who have joined hands
- to protect and realize people’s access to water around the world
- making a common Christian witness be heard in the debate on water issues
- promoting community-based initiatives and solutions to overcome the water crisis
- protecting water as a gift of God and advocating for water as a human right at the local, regional, and international level
15. May 08
Pay up at the tap: Pre-paid water meters put the poor at risk
In Lesotho, South Africa and many other African countries, devices that restrict consumers to only using water that they have paid for in advance are being promoted as a way to fund better water infrastructure. A problematic approach, church water experts warn, as it endangers the poorest of the poor's access to this indispensable necessity of life.
28. March 08
UN Human Rights Council creates independent expert on water and sanitation
(Geneva, 28.03.2008) Just one week after World Water Day, the UN Human Rights Council has highlighted and reacted to the human rights aspects of the water crisis. The Council unanimously adopted a resolution creating a 3-year mandate for an independent expert on water and sanitation. This decision will hopefully further advance the recognition and practical implementation of the human right to water.
28. March 08
Church of Sweden collects 20 000 signatures
The Swedish Archbishop handed over a petition with 20 000 signatures to the government and Cabinet Secretary Frank Belfrage demanding that Sweden clearly confirm water as a human right.