Detroit: Impact of Water Disconnections on Human Rights

Detroit: UN Experts to Discuss Impact of Water Disconnections on Human Rights

GENEVA / NEW YORK (15 October 2015) – Two United Nations human rights experts will visit the city of Detroit (Michigan- USA) from 18 to 20 October 2014, to learn more about the impact of large-scale water disconnections on low-income, marginalized and vulnerable groups and their human rights to water and sanitation and to adequate housing.

The Special Rapporteur on the right to adequate housing, Leilani Farha, and the Special Rapporteur on the human right to water and sanitation, Catarina de Albuquerque, will meet with individuals affected by water disconnections, civil society organizations as well as local authorities, and will visit neighborhoods in Detroit where water service has been disconnected.

“Issues of affordability, non-discrimination and access to justice for affected groups are vital,” the independent experts said. “A response by local and federal authorities to the water shut-offs which is aligned with international human rights standards is crucial and would serve as inspiration to other cities around the world that are faced with similar challenges.”

This informal visit arranged by civil society will allow the experts to discuss follow-up to the recommendations made to the United States on the basis of official country visits in 2009 (housing) and 2011 (water and sanitation), and to the concerns raised in a public statement* on this matter issued in June 2014.

Ms. Farha and Ms. Albuquerque will hold a press conference on Monday 20 October at 1:30 pm at the Crowne Plaza Detroit Downtown Riverfront Hotel.

ENDS

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