Clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene should be normal for everyone everywhere. But, today, millions have their access denied, simply because of who they are, how much money they have, or where they live. Lacking access to these human rights stops people having an equal chance to be healthy, educated and financially secure. That’s why End Water Poverty, WaterAid and the European Pact for Water are proudly launching the Stand Up 4 Water campaign ahead of the 2019 European Parliament elections.
In September 2015, world leaders adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, an ambitious set of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), setting out new development priorities for all countries to end extreme poverty2. Ensure WASH is explicitly among the mandates of one of the future European Commissioners. by 2030.
Goal 6 “Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all,” is a major milestone in transforming lives. It is one of the most interconnected goals, with access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) aiding economic development, poverty reduction, education, health and more. Moreover, water is a critical source of prosperity if properly managed.
The EU has been a major player in the UN discussions and is a committed frontrunner in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. It must therefore take leadership to promote actions and take measures that will have a tangible impact on the lives of local communities both in Europe and in the world, focusing on the most marginalized and those who face various forms of discrimination.
As candidates for the European Parliament elections, we urge you to read our full manifesto (link at bottom of page in English and French) and put water, sanitation and hygiene high on the European political agenda by committing to support the following actions:
1. Make WASH a political priority on the EU agenda
Take political leadership in speaking up about the importance of access to safe WASH in Europe and beyond;
Adopt ambitious legislation complying with Agenda 2030 and incorporate WASH in EU processes, policies and programmes.
Ensure WASH is explicitly among the mandates of one of the future European Commissioners.
2. Support investments in the WASH sector
Support policies and programmes aiming to enhance and maintain water, sanitation and waste water treatment infrastructures, including through development finance (ODA) for all aspects of water and sanitation access, governance and management.
3. Link WASH to other SDGs
Raise awareness on water, sanitation and hygiene as essential elements of climate change adaptation
Ensure that EU health, nutrition, food security, environmental, and education policies and programmes comprise a WASH component
Apply a gender equality, empowerment and human rights lens to EU WASH policies and programmes.