Every human being needs water to survive. Yet, we have had to fight for governments to recognize access to clean and safe water as a universal right. Finally, last October, the United Nations Human Rights Council officially recognized that right to water is contained in existing human rights treaties, affirming it as a legally binding obligation.

But there is more to be done. The next step in the process of making clean and safe water accessible is for our governments to put their human rights commitments into action. All UN member states must devise and implement a plan of action showing how they will make the right to water a reality – and the Obama Administration must be part of this effort. 

You can help realize this demand.

Why the Right to Water?

Over a billion people are denied access to clean water. As world leaders continue to advance policies that to pollute, destroy and privatize a fundamental necessity of life, women will bear the brunt.

All over the world, women are primarily responsible for providing water for their families and communities.  In remote areas, women will spend up to one-third of each day finding and collecting water, walking over three miles and carrying water jugs that weigh up to 44 pounds.  In droughts, they will often walk twice as far in the search for scarce water.

Just as women are most affected by lack of access to water, they are also leaders in the fight to protect water rights in their communities. They recognize that access to safe water is essential to the enjoyment of all other rights. They demand that their governments guarantee water as a human right for all. Now that the Human Rights Council has recognized the right to water, women have the backing of international law when they insist that their governments be accountable for their obligation to ensure access to clean water.

In celebration of World Water Day, MADRE is calling on you to take action. Tell President Obama that his Administration must produce a plan of action to uphold the right to water.