7 November 2014 – The lack of access to water is a threat to peace and stability in the world, according to the UN´s second in command.
The UN Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson told the World Water Summit in London this week that water 'the most basic of all human rights', was a central element in global affairs and the development agenda with wide implications on international peace and security.
'Around today’s world, we see how a lack of access to water can fuel conflict and even threaten peace and stability,' Jan Eliasson pointed out as he delivered the keynote address on Tackling the Global Water Challenges: What’s Next?, to the Summit, which was organized by The Economist.
The need for Hydro-Diplomacy
The Deputy Secretary-General stressed the need for 'hydro-diplomacy, or water diplomacy' as degraded access to water stemming from climate change, or population pressure risks creating social tensions, political instability and intensified refugee flows.
'And most recently, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) has also exploited access to water to expand its control over territory and to subjugate the population.
And from Tajikistan to Ethiopia, upstream/downstream tensions related to large hydroelectric projects remain an issue,' the DSG said.
Exacerbated by climate change
The DSG quoted recent UN statistics to support his argument:
Tensions over water will clearly be exacerbated by climate change but 'we must not lose sight of the opportunities that water offers as a source of cooperation.'
'No single Government can implement the water agenda alone,' the Deputy Secretary-General added.
The Brussels based United Nations Regional Information Centre for Western Europe - UNRIC provides information on UN activities to the countries of the region. It also provides liaison with institutions of the European Union in the field of information. Its outreach activities extend to all segments of society and joint campaigns, projects and events are organized with partners including the EU, governments, the media, NGOs, schools and local authorities.
United Nations Regional Information Centre for Western Europe (UNRIC Brussels)
Residence Palace, Rue de la Loi/Wetstraat 155, Block C2,7th and 8th floor, Brussels 1040, Belgium
Tel.: +32 2 788 8484 / Fax: 32 2 788 8485