In response to the launch of the UN's latest Human Development Report, Beyond scarcity: power, poverty and the global water crisis, the UK Government has announced that it recognises the human right to water.

The announcement shows one government taking the essential leadership demanded by the UN Human Development Report which calls for a global call to action to solve the water crisis.

"I am very pleased to see the UK Government taking the lead on the human right to water. WaterAid and its partners have tirelessly campaigned to achieve this recognition. We urge the UK to work with other governments to achieve the right of water and sanitation for all." said Barbara Frost, WaterAid Chief Executive.

WaterAid welcomes DFID's proposed Global Action Plan to solve the water crisis. WaterAid believes that the key to solving the water crisis lies in one country plan, fully funded, delivered and owned locally. We look forward to working with DFID to realise these ambitions.

WaterAid stresses that, in line with the G8's 2002 declaration, "no country genuinely committed to poverty reduction, good governance and economic reform will be denied the chance to achieve the Millennium Goals through lack of finance".

WaterAid calls for rich countries to renew these commitments within the framework of a Global Action Plan, at the 2007 G8 summit in Germany.

"Every human being has the right to sufficient, affordable water and safe sanitation - all governments must make this happen," said Girish Menon, WaterAid's International Operations Director.