Hello All.

Here is a chance to raise and amplify the voices of vulnerable groups on their Human Right to Water and Sanitation ahead of the UN Water Conference 2023!

The voices of activists, advocates and vulnerable groups on WASH access for the vulnerable groups have reached a crescendo that cannot be silenced or ignored. It is an appropriate time to reflect on the challenges that remain, while emphasizing the need to strengthen local, regional and international cooperation to increase awareness of Human Rights to Water and Sanitation (HRWS) for the vulnerable globally.

Ahead of the UN Water Conference 2023, Hearing the Unheard Human Rights to Water and Sanitation (HRWS) Side Event; End Water Poverty, with UNOHCHR, the UN Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights to Safe Water and Sanitation; Rural Water Supply Network (RWSN), Water Integrity Network (WIN); ONGAWA Engineering for Human Development; Simavi; WASH United/ Make Rights Real; Coalition Eau; ANEW; Water Youth Network; United Youth for Peace, Education, Transparency and Development in Liberia (UYPETDL); KEWASNET; Water Witness International; Freshwater Action Network Mexico; Redes del Agua Latin America; ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability; Tahzing Dong, Bangladesh; United Cities and Local Government (UCLG) and ESCR-Net, with Member State support from Liberia and South Africa. Simavi, UNOHCR, End Water Poverty and KEWASNET have rolled out a digital campaign; #HearingTheUnheardHRWS amplifying the call for global action to HRWS for the vulnerable groups.

This campaign aims to generate multi stakeholder conversations; to raise awareness and gather key messages, opinions and recommendations that shall inform commitments, pledges, actions, initiatives and endeavours for vulnerable groups who are left behind towards realising HRWS.

 As provided by UN OHCR, groups in vulnerable situations include: Children and adolescents, Women and Girls, Indigenous peoples, LGBTI, Migrants Refugees Asylum seekers, Older persons, Persons with disabilities.

We are handing over the mic to all WASH stakeholders to share their experiences, stories and views on improving WASH access for the vulnerable groups. The campaign gives an opportunity for everyone to follow these experiences and views, get inspired by the vulnerable groups, reform champions, activists and advocates who are making a difference every single day, and find out how to can take action.

How to participate:

We request for original content in the form of shareable media, photographs, quotes, blog posts and videos, to promote the voices of the vulnerable groups.

1.     Record A Short, Social Media-Friendly Video (Maximum 1 Minute) Or Take Photographs Or Share A Quote Or Write A Blog (Maximum 300 Words With A Photograph) Reflecting:

•     Impacts: How does lack of (adequate, affordable, acceptable) water and sanitation affect your community/ group?
•     Actions: What existing initiatives or actions have you taken to address this?
•     Responses: What responses have you received from government?
•     Support: What support and action do you want to see from the international community/ UN?

N.B. If you do not have a social media handle or profile, you can alos send your content to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

2. Don't Forget to Share the Video or Photo On Digital Communication Channels using hashtag #HearingTheUnheardHRWS

•     Nominate up to three other individuals or organizations to do the same in your social media post. Encourage circulating widely through networks of partners and potential influencers, to share their inspirational messages and efforts. Pledge personal or collective actions on improving access for the vulnerable groups to inspire others to do the same.

Regards

Euphresia Luseka
Water Governance Specialist