Campaign challenges corporate control of water

Campaigners around the world are challenging the corporate control of water resources this month, asking for water to be recognized as a human right, not a commodity.


The Blue October campaign was initiated during this year’s World Water Forum in Mexico where NGOs organised an alternative event asking for water to be recognised as a “fundamental human right.”

In Britain the campaign is coordinated by the World Development Movement (WDM), a human rights NGO.

WDM director Benedict Southworth said: “Today, one in six people world wide lack access to safe, affordable water, and two in five lack access to adequate sanitation. These numbers are likely to rise says the United Nations – unless action is taken now.

“WDM has joined with campaigners across the globe to demand action to protect water as a public good and inalienable right.”

The movement quotes past successes, including a ban on for-profit organisations controlling water supplies in Uruguay.

The UK government is reviewing its policy position on whether water should be regarded as a fundamental human right, with a decision expected by the end of the year.

Campaigners quote Kofi Annan, secretary general of the UN, as saying: “Access to water is a fundamental human need and therefore a basic human right”

More details on the Blue October campaign can be found here.

Goska Romanowicz

Action inspires action. Stay ahead of the curve with sustainability and energy newsletters from edie

Subscribe