|
|
 |
 |
|
National legislation on the right to water
In addition to recognising the rights to life or health, the national legislation of several countries has explicitly recognised a right to water and/or the obligation of the state to provide everyone with access to clean water. A few examples are provided below.
South African Constitution (1996)
Chapter 2, Bill of Rights
Section 27
1. Everyone has the right to have access to (a) health care services, including reproductive health care; (b) sufficient food and water; and (c) social security, including, if they are unable to support themselves and their dependants, appropriate social assistance
2. The state must take reasonable legislative and other measures, within its available resources, to achieve the progressive realization of each of these rights
|
|
|
Constitution of Gambia (1996)
Article 216(4): The State shall endeavour to facilitate equal access to clean and safe water.
|
|
|
|
Constitution of Ethiopia (1998)
Article 90(1): Every Ethiopian is entitled, within the limits of the country’s resources, to … clean water.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Constitution of Zambia (1996)
Article 112: The State shall endeavour to provide clean and safe water.
|
|
|
Constitution of Uganda (1995)
Article 14: The State shall endeavor to fulfill the fundamental rights of all Ugandans to social justice and economic development and shall, in particular, ensure that… all Ugandans enjoy rights and opportunities and access to education, health services, clean and safe water, decent shelter, adequate clothing, food, security and pension and retirements benefits.
|
|
Many other countries have used other rights enshrined in national legislation, such as the right to a healthy environment, to enforce the right to water.
|
|
|
