The human right to water entitles everyone to sufficient, safe, acceptable, physically accessible and affordable water for personal and domestic use.

UUSC understands that there is a global water crisis, which is the product of shifting and competing political and economic interests, depletion from environmental contamination, climate change, over-extraction and increasing population.  As a human rights organization, we recognize the urgent need to respond. More people are losing their access to clean affordable water in the United States and overseas, and too often, the victims are poor people, women, and racial and ethnic minorities.

The human right to water has been recognized in international treaties and national constitutions since 2002. However, this right is being eroded by the inclusion of water and other essential services as commodities in international trade treaties and conventions. UUSC works with partners and colleague organizations to guarantee that privatization does not threaten people’s right to access safe, affordable water.

UUSC’s program

• Defending the human right to water.

UUSC promotes and defends the human right to water.


• Sustainable water.

UUSC works against inappropriate privatization schemes and supports efforts to develop alternative water services models that meet the human right to water while promoting sustainable use of water resources.


• "Our Water" project.

The democratic participation and citizen involvement in water services (water and sewerage) at the community, local, state, national and international levels are critical to the promotion and protection of the human right to water.


• Water crisis.

Where depletion caused by contamination, over-extraction, or climate change creates conflicts over water, UUSC works with partners to influence public policy so that everyone will have access to safe and affordable water.

See also:

What you can do

Resources

Partners

Colleague organizations