Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and the Environment, David R. Boyd
Statement by the Delegation of the United States of America
46th Session of the Human Rights Council
Geneva, March 3, 2021
As Delivered by Phillip Riblett
The United States thanks Special Rapporteur Boyd for his report on the global water crisis.
The United States strongly supports the goal of universal access to safe, clean, and affordable water and sanitation. Water is essential for life, economies, and the planet. Access to basic water and sanitation services promotes the realization of many human rights.
We agree that states must uphold their existing international human rights obligations and that states should cooperate to address water and sanitation issues, especially those impacting the most vulnerable. We look forward to working with the global community to strengthen water security; a key pathway to ensure resilience to climate change.
What are your views on how the Council might build new and innovative partnerships to achieve water-related goals? How can we reduce violence against environmental defenders?