UN Urges Global Shift: Water Must Be a Human Right, Not Commodity

The United Nations has issued a strong warning about the state of global water access, calling for an urgent transformation in how water is managed worldwide. According to a recent UN report, the challenge is not merely technological but deeply rooted in inequality, marginalization, and the growing commodification of water.

Experts say billions of people live without reliable access to safe water, often in polluted areas or near exploited rivers and aquifers, while financial interests profit from speculative water markets and privatized systems. The report highlights that treating water as a tradable commodity threatens human rights, environmental sustainability, and social cohesion.

Stay informed with the latest news. Follow DXB News Network on WhatsApp Channel

Water governance, the report emphasizes, must shift to a democratic, rights-based model. Key principles include equality, non-discrimination, accountability, and active participation of local communities. Indigenous knowledge, women’s leadership, and the recognition of customary water rights are seen as essential to equitable management.

The report also links water issues to the climate crisis. Aquifers, which store 30 times more water than surface flows, are critical in mitigating extreme droughts, while wetlands and rivers need restoration to support resilient ecosystems. Urban planning and inclusive hydrological strategies are recommended to reduce vulnerability to floods and water scarcity.

To ensure affordability and sustainability, the report suggests targeted public subsidies and soft financing, particularly in rural and low-income regions. The overall message is clear: water must be recognized as a shared resource essential for life, not a commodity to be bought or sold.