Evolution of the human right to water as a public health issue

Access to sufficient, safe water is an instrumental underlying determinant of health, and as such, the realization of the right to water is essential to population health. The recognition of the right to water as a public health issue, however, has emerged only recently. This presentation will examine the historical and theoretical developments of the right to water as an issue in public health. By understanding this shift toward individuals as rights-holders and states as duty-bearers to ensure access to secure, safe water, health professionals can continue to develop ways to improve upon past successes and challenges and adapt to future public health needs.

Public health professionals began taking a rights-based approach to water availability, access, quality and distribution as under-investment in water delivery systems and water scarcity became increasingly recognized global problems for population health. Privatization of water systems, as well as the re-routing, widespread contamination and degradation of common water sources have galvanized public health professionals to focus advocacy efforts on securing the right to water for marginalized communities. Moreover, the increased involvement of transnational corporations in the management and distribution of water in low- and middle-income countries has led to problems, including inequities in access.

Through an examination and analysis of case studies of grassroots public health and human rights advocacy efforts, this presentation will demonstrate how the evolution of globalization, privatization, environmental health and international human rights law discourses have converged to frame the right to water as a human right essential for health.