Monitoring Water Governance: the role of National Human Rights Institutions

Changes since 2000:: Recognition of the human right to water and sanitation Constitutional recognition of right to a healthy environment Expansion of democracy & the rule of law

Changes since 2000: Global Freshwater crisis documented and described Joint letter of HRC mandate holders to Rio+ 20: Urgency of environmental issues Constitutional Moment required Monitoring and review mechanisms needed National accountability mechanisms needed

HRBA to monitoring is game changer: * redefinition of access: 4.1 billion without sanitation, 1.6 billion without safe water * sanitation and water evaluated in terms of impact on health: * sanitation includes safe disposal of faeces, urine and wastewater; * includes monitoring of wastewater streams and pollution

HRBA to monitoring is game changer: * ensures shift in priorities requiring focus on marginalised groups: women, low income groups, rural areas, informal settlements * requires monitoring of impact on poorest groups which MDGs failed to do

National Human Rights Institution Initiative for good water governance

Objectives * enhancing the role of NHRIs in relation to the human right to water * support NHRIs in monitoring water governance

Vision * open call for collaboration * all interested NHRIs: 1. NHRIs already active with regards to the right to water who are already able to share valuable experiences/practices/tools/resources, 2. NHRIs currently having a more limited role in investigating, promoting and protecting the human right to water but wishing to enhance their capacity to this end * who wish to strengthen their role in monitoring water governance through the advancement, promotion and protection of the human right to water * who wish to contribute to an enhanced human rights based water governance

Capacity building Community building Goals of the NHRI water initiative

Capacity building Undertaking tailor made trainings on the ground and providing technical support; Delivering publications and practical guides to respond to specific needs of NHRIs; Developing other tools and methods to support NHRIs in need. Community building Build a community of practice through the creation of a network; Systematize of information, tools, resources and good practices of NHRIs; Support NHRIs in monitoring water governance by facilitating exchange and sharing existing monitoring and other best practices.

Expected key results * NHRIs have an increased capacity of monitoring water governance through capacity building and sharing of best practices/experiences among peers * NHRIs have a strengthened role in monitoring a human rights based post 2015 agenda * Improvement of the existing redress/complaint mechanism of NHRIs to respond more efficiently to demands to address alleged infringements of rights * Point of reference for NHRIs is provided: ensuring access to information, best practices of NHRIs in relation to the right to water * The human right to water is promoted contributing to the overall aim of protecting human rights and a human rights based water governance

Activities envisaged for 2014 Activity component Activity Year Launch of the initiative: Kick off by a meeting organized at the annual gathering of NHRIs (ICC27) Publications, practical guides: Compilation of good practices Capacity building activities: Design of training material and delivery of trainings on the ground

Leading role to NHRIs Hungarian Ombudsman for Future Generations WaterLex Project partners

Argentina Denmark Mexico Kenya Nepal Namibia Bangladesh Uganda and hopefully many more! NHRIs expressing support/interest

Dr Tobias Schmitz Director of operations WaterLex For further information contact: Viktoria Mohos Naray Thank You!