60^th session of the Human Rights Council

Joint Statement

Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation

15 September 2025

Mr. President,

I deliver this statement on behalf of a group of countries.

We thank the Special Rapporteur for his report.

The International Court of Justice has unequivocally concluded “that, under international law, the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment is essential for the enjoyment of other human rights”[1].

This authoritative language strengthens the legal foundation to treat environmental protection as integral to human dignity and to the fulfilment of the human rights to water and sanitation.

The right to a healthy environment comprises substantive elements—clean air; a safe climate; access to safe water and adequate sanitation; healthy and sustainably produced food; non-toxic environments; and healthy biodiversity and ecosystems—together with procedural guarantees of information, participation and access to justice[2].

The Special Rapporteur’s report on the water-energy nexus underscores these interdependencies and the imperative that States prioritise human rights, sustainability and participatory governance to secure water, sanitation and energy for all.

We therefore reiterate our support for the Special Rapporteur’s focus on restoring aquatic ecosystems and protecting communities in vulnerable situations, while noting that these measures stem naturally from the ICJ’s guidance.

We urge States to implement the Advisory Opinion to prevent environmental harm, align energy and water policies with human rights and sustainability limits, and to ensure that water and sanitation are guaranteed as components of the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment.

Thank you.