ACHRS Statement: UN Calls for Water Equity for Palestinians
On Friday October 1st, the 48th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva took place and called for an equitable water distribution between Israelis and Palestinians. Amman Center for Human Rights Studies condemns the Israeli Occupation’s blocking of water, a basic human need. ACHRS encourages the UNHRC’s statement mandating an equitable distribution of water between Israelis and Palestinians.
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On Friday October 1st, the 48th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva took place and called for an equitable water distribution between Israelis and Palestinians.
The UN reported that “it is estimated that nearly 660,000 Palestinians in the West Bank have limited access to water, with 420,000 consuming less than 50 liters on average daily per capita, which is well below the 100 liters recommended by the World Health Organization.” Additionally, “roughly 14,000 Palestinians in approximately 180 communities in Area C have no connection to a water network, are without water infrastructure, and are considered at high risk for water scarcity,” the report stated.
Only ten percent of the 2 million people that live in Gaza have direct access to clean and safe drinking water, the report explained. By 2030, the Palestinian population will increase from 5.2 million to 7.2 million people, which will generate consequences for the water shortages in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza.
The United Nations report also blames the geo-political situation, which has caused the Palestinian population to have water shortages. The Joint Water Commission declared the equitable distribution of water between Palestinians and Israelis, but in practice, Israeli JWC members vetoed Palestinian projects. Therefore it gives priority and preference to Israeli citizens.
The Hamas war with Israel in the West Bank and Gaza Strip have harmed the situation where electricity and infrastructure improvements are needed. The UN did note, however, that the Israeli Occupation was working on a pipeline that would double the amount of water it sends to Gaza. “Israel’s announcement on 25 August 2021 that it would increase water supply to Gaza by five MCM (million cubic meters) and allow entry of construction materials and non-humanitarian goods is a welcome step,” the UN said.
The issue of water was raised during the Agenda Item 7 discussion, under which the UN Human Rights Council is mandated to hold a debate on the Israel Occupation’s alleged human rights abuses. Occupation authorities have argued and unsuccessfully pushed for the council to abolish Agenda Item 7.
Amman Center for Human Rights Studies condemns the Israeli Occupation’s blocking of water, a basic human need. ACHRS encourages the UNHRC’s statement mandating an equitable distribution of water between Israelis and Palestinians.
Image Source: ICRC/Alyona Synenko
