Water, a human right that unites us
Water is more than an element, it is a human right that allows us to live, grow and dream. However, millions of people in Honduras and around the world lack access to this vital resource. The same thing that is threatened by pollution, climate change and overexploitation.
For this reason, every first Saturday in October we commemorate the Inter-American Water Day. An initiative of regional and international organizations that seek to raise awareness in society about the urgency of protect and manage water in a sustainable and supportive way.
Likewise, since 2010, the United Nations General Assembly recognized the human right to water and sanitation. This implies that all people must have guaranteed access to safe and sufficient drinking water. As well as sanitation services that respect their dignity, their culture and their privacy. These services are essential to prevent diseases, improve quality of life and promote human development.
Decent water for all, a challenge for Honduras
In Honduras, water is a human right that is violated every day due to lack of access, poverty and exclusion. Millions of people live without clean water and sanitation. This reality is especially hard for women, boys and girls, and rural and indigenous communities, who suffer the greatest inequalities.
The data presented by David Ramos, member of the organization Water For People Honduras, reflects that 7.5 million of people lack drinking water. Besides that 5 million do not have sanitation safe in Honduras.
Added to climate change, deforestation and pollution, the water crisis in Honduras is increasing. The most recent report from Water For People, the 90% of environmental crises are related to water problems.
The above shows us the urgency of starting to take actions to guarantee access to water and sanitation. We believe that Water is life, it is dignity and it is the future. Together we can make it possible for water to be a human right for everyone in Honduras.
Water and sanitation, a human right that transforms Honduras
Water and sanitation are more than a service. They are a human right that opens the doors to a better future for Honduras.
With water and sanitation, we can improve the health of millions of people who suffer from lack of hygiene. We can improve the education of thousands of boys and girls who lose learning opportunities due to water scarcity. Improve the country's economy, generating jobs and income that reduce poverty and inequality. Promote gender equality, easing the workload of women, providing them with more development opportunities. And we can improve the environment, protecting ecosystems and mitigating the effects of climate change.
Honduras: a country that mobilizes for water and sanitation
In Honduras, there are examples of projects and initiatives that demonstrate that change is possible. That the management of water resources can be improved and its universal, sustainable and equitable access guaranteed. Here are some of them:
- The Joint Water Governance Program, an alliance between the government, international cooperation, academia, civil society and the private sector. It seeks to strengthen local capacities for the integrated management of water resources.
- The "Water for all" campaign, an initiative of SANAA, Proheco, Amitigra, the Fire Department, Conades and a group of ecological volunteers. It aims to raise awareness among the population about the rational use of liquid through educational talks, walks and awareness messages.
- The "Water for life" project, a proposal from the Honduran Association of Water Systems Administrative Boards (AHJASA). Its objective is to improve access to drinking water and sanitation in rural communities through the construction and rehabilitation of water infrastructure, the training and organization of administrative boards, and the promotion of good environmental practices.
Action on Inter-American Water Day
Inter-American Water Day It is not only an opportunity to reflect on the importance of water and its current crisis, but also to to take action. It is necessary that we all commit to taking care of water, demanding compliance with it and participating in its management. Only in this way can we guarantee the social and environmental well-being of our country. Water is life, take care of it!
Are Water for People, an organization that believes in the power of access to safe water and sanitation to ensure the future of our country and the planet. With your donation, we open the doors to the conservation of this resource. Because water is more than a liquid, water is life. Because sanitation is for everyone, and forever.