WCC news: UN Special Rapporteur to discuss the human right to water at WCC event

On 20 September, from 14:30 to 16:00 at the World Council of Churches (WCC) in Geneva, the WCC Ecumenical Water Network will host a special dialogue with the UN special rapporteur for Human Right to Water, Prof. Pedro Arrojo-Agudo.  Geneva, 2023. WCC consultation on interconnected challenges of land, water, and food. Photo: Valter Hugo Muniz/WCC 16 September 2024 The discussion will center on his upcoming report, Water and Economy Nexus: Managing Water for Productive Uses from a Human Rights Perspective, to be presented at the 57th session of the UN Human Rights Council. This session allows faith communities and advocates to deepen their engagement with global water justice initiatives. Prof. Pedro Arrojo-Agudo’s report stresses that water and aquatic ecosystems must be managed as commons, focusing on human rights. He emphasizes the state’s responsibility to preserve water resources for drinking and primary food production, not profit-driven exploitation. His report also highlights the importance of public-public and public-community partnerships in managing water sustainably, advocating for policies prioritizing efficient, non-deteriorative, and restorative approaches. “Water is not just a resource; it is a fundamental right connecting humanity to life. Faith communities are uniquely positioned to advocate for water justice and ensure the protection of the most vulnerable populations,” said Dinesh Suna, coordinator of the WCC Ecumenical Water Network and event moderator. The UN special rapporteur will be joined by a panel, including: ·    Dr Ingrid Jacobsen, Bread for the World, Germany (convener of WCC Working Group on Land, Water, and Food Justice) ·    Dr Maude Barlow, founder of Blue Planet Project and Council of Canadians, Canada ·    Dr Rajendra Singh, “Waterman of India,” Stockholm Water Prize laureate, India ·    Rev. Dr Kenneth Mtata, programme director, WCC Public Witness and Diakonia, Geneva ·    Marcela Oliver, director, Blue Planet Project, Bolivia The event will focus on the special rapporteur’s report and discuss his upcoming engagements, including the UN Water Conference and efforts to strengthen partnerships with faith communities committed to water justice. “Participants are encouraged to register for the event, which will be available in person and online. This is a significant opportunity to join a global conversation on protecting water as a human right in the face of growing challenges,” stressed Suna. Register for the event  See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 352 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches 150 route de Ferney Geneve 2 1211 Switzerland