'Water and Sanitation A People's Guide to SDG 6' (20pps, PDF) was produced to enable readers to ‘dig deep’ into the significant global issue of water and sanitation with a particular focus on SDG 6 : Water and Sanitation for All. Interpretation of SDG 6 is guided by the Preamble to the 2030 Agenda which explicitly recognizes the human right to safe drinking water and sanitation.

Former UN Deputy Secretary General, Jan Eliasson congratulated Member States for acknowledging water as a human right. He claims, ‘Safe drinking water and adequate sanitation are not only essential human rights, but are integrally linked to broader efforts to provide well-being and dignity to all people. I commend Member States for recognizing the right to water and to sanitation in the 2030 Agenda and for adopting Sustainable Development Goal 6 to realize it’. 

The Guide begins by reminding the reader that in order to be true to the global pledge of ‘leaving no-one behind’, SDG 6 must have a rights based implementation. This means: Preventing the commodification of water, Increasing public finance and Promoting commons- based Water Resource Management...

Former UN Deputy Secretary General, Jan Eliasson congratulated Member States for acknowledging water as a human right. He claims, ‘Safe drinking water and adequate sanitation are not only essential human rights, but are integrally linked to broader efforts to provide well-being and dignity to all people. I commend Member States for recognizing the right to water and to sanitation in the 2030 Agenda and for adopting Sustainable Development Goal 6 to realize it’.

The Guide begins by reminding the reader that in order to be true to the global pledge of ‘leaving no-one behind’, SDG 6 must have a rights based implementation. This means: Preventing the commodification of water, Increasing public finance and Promoting commons- based Water Resource Management. The Guide is divided into six sections: The Water Crisis, The SDG’s, The Water Goal, Red Flags, Monitoring through the use of a Litmus Test and Advocacy. Each of these sections explores the above issues in some detail.

Section 1: ‘The Water Crisis” (P.3)
In this section, the reader is given an overview of current water issues and policy decisions that have led to the unsustainable use of water, the unjust distribution of water and inequitable access to water. Attention is drawn to the interests of powerful private interests to the detriment of human rights. A Case Study in which the human right to water and sanitation is violated is cited. There is also a discussion of the implications of trade deals and investment treaties which ‘restrict state sovereignty and policy space to make decisions and uphold their human rights obligations. See Spotlight on Investor-State Dispute Settlements: El Salvador. This section concludes with a clear call for correcting systemic policy failures and focusing on water justice. Click above to read the guide.

Section 2: ‘The SDG’s’ (P.5)
This section of the guide includes monitoring and advocating in SDG implementation by reminding the reader of a simple truth; ‘It is ill-advised for governments who wish to comply with their international human rights obligations and who seek to ensure development outcomes for the most vulnerable to abdicate human rights responsibilities to the private sector’ (p.5). This is a great challenge for we must ask ourselves what are the roles of government when it comes to ensuring human rights. Can you think of examples where a government has abdicated their responsibility for human rights?

The section continues by raising a concern about implementation of the SDG’s and the current trend of privatization and market based solutions in relation to water. It appears that the practice of SDG implementation contradicts its purpose which is to address major social and environmental ills. Once again, this section warns ‘The emphasis on profit in the delivery of essential services results in predictable and systemic human rights violations for vulnerable populations’ (p. 5). Are you aware of who is responsible for the water services in your local region, nation?

Transnational corporations are discussed with attention to the fact that legal frameworks for their accountability for human rights abuses are almost nonexistent. The section highlights facts from a UN DESA report released in 2016 which notes that ‘private public partnerships are more costly than public-sector alternatives from a social and financial standpoint’ (p.5).

Section 3: ‘The Water Goal’ (P.7)
This section outlines specific facts about the responsibilities of States in relation to human rights. Information about the binding parameters for development processes, policies and efforts are outlined. Essentially the SDG’s are grounded in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and International Human Rights Treaties. Reference is made to the preamble of the 2030 agenda which commits to the realization of human rights for all indicating that the SDG’s are grounded in a human rights approach. Attention is given to Goal 16 which is seen as an important guide for ‘interpreting the proper implementation and orientation of all other goals, especially targets’ (p.6).

Reaffirming the human rights to water sanitation in and the SDG’s
The role of civil society in the negotiation of the SDG’s is briefly mentioned in this section. Significantly, ‘Civil society campaigned for explicit recognition of the human rights to water and sanitation as a crucial lynchpin to safeguard against corporate abuses, uphold the sovereignty of local communities over their natural resources, and promote universal access to public water and sanitation services.’ (p6). Can you think of ways in which the human right to water and sanitation is not being upheld? It is important to note that despite opposition, in the final hours of negotiation of the SDG’s, States included ‘the human right to safe drinking water and sanitation’ in the preamble. This is very significant, as it requires states to uphold this commitment to human rights. What role do you believe that Civil Society can play to ensure that states uphold their commitment to the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation?

In the light of recent global reports on water and the state of South Africa, in particular Cape Town [click to read more], understanding the implications of Sustainable Development Goal 6 is imperative. It is important to note that of the 17 SDG’s there is a stand-alone goal to “ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all”. Considered a cross cutting issue, the water goal is seen as interdependent with other issues including sustainable agriculture, health, gender equality, energy, sustainable cities, inequalities, sustainable consumption and production, climate change and terrestrial ecosystems.

As with other SDG’s the Water Goal is broken down into targets. This section of the guide breaks down the targets and assesses them in the light of human rights obligations and principles (p8). Attention is drawn to Target 6.5 in which a particular paradigm of water management Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) is introduced. This particular paradigm is considered controversial and a question is raised concerning its viability.

Key to this section is understanding the importance of the means of implementation. The guide clearly states, ‘ The test of all international cooperation under 6a will be whether it increases the State’s ability to guarantee access to water, sanitation and hygiene for all persons in a non-discriminatory manner, prioritizing the most vulnerable and disadvantaged members of the population (p8).’ As Mercy Justice Advocates, this test is critical.

Section 4: 'Red Flags' (P.9)
Red flags help us to ensure that we are aware of risks and possible loopholes in the understanding and implementation of the SDG water goal, targets and indicators. This is a critical section of the guide. The points below name the red flags, for greater detail see pages 9-11. Be on the lookout for:
• Outcomes measured without reference to human rights dimensions
• Data that isn’t disaggregated by different sectors of the population
• Attempts to create justifications for privatization; lack of public financing
• International co-operation restricted only to self-interested overseas development aid
• A narrow focus on water efficiency
• Market Based Conservation Strategies
• Integrated Water Resources Management
It is critical that the SDG’s truly achieve what they set out to do. Therefore water advocates need to keep a close eye on water projects that claim to be responding to SDG 6. The above red flags indicate that there is a risk of overlooking the human rights dimension of water. The challenge is to be mindful of the risks and subtle ways in which dialogue and action on water can so easily take a narrow focus. As the issue of water justice is at the heart of our Mercy calling, you are encouraged to delve more deeply into the red flags section of the People’s Guide to SDG 6.

Section 5: 'Monitoring: Litmus Test' (P.12)
The section on monitoring includes a four step litmus test which is designed to help policy makers and advocates assess water related policy in light of international human rights obligations. This test is an adaptation of the NGO Mining Working Groups ‘Rights Based Litmus Test’. Key questions in relation to monitoring include:
• Does the option undermine the conditions necessary to guarantee the human right to water or other rights?
• Does the policy effectively advance the enjoyment of the human rights to water and sanitation by all?
• Can affected communities and concerned civil society participate effectively in decision-making and access justice/remedies for harms?
• Does this option further or hinder the ability of future generations to enjoy their rights to water or any other human right?
A comprehensive breakdown of these inquiry questions can be found on pages 12-14.

Section 6: 'Advocacy' (P.15)
There are several channels for advocacy at the UN which are outlined in this section of the guide. A brief overview of Special Procedures provide key advocacy steps and actions. Reference is made to the Universal Periodic Review in which countries each other’s human rights situation with participation by civil society. Reference to UN Treaty Bodies is also made.

High Level Political Forum/ Advocating for the Human Right to Water and Sanitation
The High Level Political Forum is held annually in July. This is a venue for reviewing states progress in relation to the Sustainable Development Goals. These reviews are voluntary and can provide civil society with an opportunity to advocate for a human rights based approach to the implementation of the SDG’s.

In 2018, the HLPF will take place from July 9th - July 18th, Mercy International Association: Mercy Global Action at the UN will be participating in this forum. Along with other NGOS/Faith-Based Organizations, MGA will sponsor a side event highlighting the significance of the Peoples Guide to SDG 6 and addressing key questions in relation to a rights based implementation of SDG 6.

Messages to: Angela Reed rsm - MIA-MGA Coordinator at the UN