UN Expert Urges Brazilian Government to Ensure Access to Safe Drinking Water and Sanitation

Strategic Insights -

The UN Special Rapporteur on the human right to safe drinking water and sanitation, Leo Heller, has expressed deep concern over the Brazilian government's handling of the catastrophic collapse of a tailing dam in Mariana, which has left hundreds of thousands of people without access to safe drinking water and sanitation. Despite emergency measures being taken to provide water at distribution points and bottled water being brought to the affected areas, people continue to face disruptions in their water supply. The collapse of the tailing dam has resulted in the Doce River, a main water source in the region, becoming contaminated with toxic elements, making it difficult to treat the water properly. The situation has led to growing discontent among the affected communities, with instances of violence and unrest reported.

Key Takeaways:

  • The collapse of the tailing dam in Mariana has left hundreds of thousands of people without access to safe drinking water and sanitation, with many having to queue for hours to get small quantities of water.
  • The Doce River, a main water source in the region, has become contaminated with toxic elements, making it difficult to treat the water properly.
  • The Brazilian government has been criticized for its poor management of the water crisis, leading to growing discontent among the affected communities.
  • The UN Special Rapporteur, Leo Heller, has urged the government to take action and ensure access to safe and sufficient water, as well as alternative sanitation.
  • People are worried about the quality of the water coming from the restored water supply system and are frustrated by the inconsistent and inadequate information provided by the authorities.
  • The UN expert has called upon the authorities to take preventative measures to protect people's human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation.

Statistics:

  • Hundreds of thousands of people are affected by the collapse of the tailing dam in Mariana, with many having to queue for hours for small quantities of water. (Source: UN statement)
  • The toxic elements in the Doce River have been detected at levels above the acceptable levels, making it difficult to treat the water properly. (Source: UN statement)
  • The Brazilian government has been criticized for its poor management of the water crisis, leading to instances of violence and unrest. (Source: UN statement)
  • The UN Special Rapporteur has urged the government to strengthen its monitoring of both raw and treated water, improve water treatment, and disseminate clear information to the population. (Source: UN statement)

Sources:

  • United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG): "UN expert urges Brazilian Government to ensure access to safe drinking water and sanitation after collapse of tailing dam" (Source: UNOG website)
  • Human Rights Council: "Special Rapporteur on the human right to safe drinking water and sanitation" (Source: OHCHR website)
  • Oswaldo Cruz Foundation: "Researcher in the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation in Brazil" (Source: Oswaldo Cruz Foundation website)