WATER AS A HUMAN RIGHT
ROUNDTABLES
WATER AS A HUMAN RIGHT
This important roundtable with more than 500 people participating in the Water Arena started with a speech saying that we have to face the planet as a human organism, which must be respected, just as we demand respect. In this context, it was spoken about the need for a change in the energy matrix of both the planet and our Brazilian energy matrix, and we should emit less pollution and less hate, treating water with respect and not just as business.
Data on sanitation and water services in capitals such as in Paris and how the population views this service and its manager were brought to the public, and the importance of the conversation between the powers and how this change was implemented in that capital and how important it was to the city, and after this evolution of public management, efficiency and access to water increased significantly and the price was reduced.
The importance of ensuring access to water was evidenced regardless of whether or not the person has the money to pay for it, without having to walk miles to have access to it. It is necessary to improve management with the participation of society in decision-making for access to water.
It has been clearly stated that there is currently a constant struggle between the public and the private sectors and that one of the current ideas is that private companies do not exist to give the population access to water, but only to maximize their profits, which is a situation that needs to be changed urgently.
In conclusion, it became clear in the debates that the relationship between the private sector and the society that uses and needs water has to be greatly improved. These urgent changes need to come from the citizens, so this way the changes are really effective and transparent, thus guaranteeing the human right to access water, demanding water for themselves.
Moderator/Coordinator:
Leo Heller (UN Special Rapporteur)
Speakers:
Catarina Albuquerque (Former United Nations Special Rapporteur – UN)
Maria Paula (Actress, activist and environmentalist)
David Boys (Public Service International)
Gloria Coron (Mexico)
ONG EAU de Paris e Miriam Planas (Som Aigua – Espanha).