Africa Water, Sanitation & Hygiene 2014 Sept - Oct Vol. 9 No.5 | Page 29

2014 STOCKHOLM STATEMENT

ON WATER

STOCKHOLM
INTERNATIONAL
WATER INSTITUTE

HEALTH

Global demand for freshwater is projected to grow by 55% between 2000 and 2050.
This poses a huge risk for increased competition over water from different users.
A Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) on water is a unique opportunity to holistically address
our world’s water related challenges, avoiding potentially fragmented and unsustainable
solutions which can increase competition between different water users.

SUSTAINABLE
GROWTH

AGRICULTURE

WATER,

sanitation and hygiene are fundamental requirements
for welfare and dignity and important investments for
sustainable growth. In 2010, through Resolution 64/292, the UN
General Assembly recognised access to safe and clean drinking
water and sanitation as a human right. The UN Human Rights
Council thereafter affirmed these rights as part of international law,
confirmed as legally binding upon Member States

ENERGY

CLIMATE

A Sustainable
Development Goal
(SDG) on Water is
essential for our shared future

WHAT IS HAPPENING NOW?
Water distribution and sanitation systems are often neglected
and unable to cope with growing demographics. Poor sanitation
conditions, such as those resulting from open defecation, have
been shown to significantly contribute to the spread of deadly
diseases such as diarrhoea. Women and girls face an increased
risk of assault when practising open defecation. They also carry a
disproportionate share of the burdens of household water provision which has additional, serious repercussions on their access
to education and development opportunities.

What would an SDG mean for
Health?
A dedicated SDG on water is necessary
to create incentives for fair and efficent
allocation of water in the future
between different water users and to
help del