The World Water Council condemns attacks on water facilities and reiterates obligations under international law.
According to corroborating reports, drinking water production facilities for civilian use have been targeted in recent hours in the Middle East.
The World Water Council expresses its deep concern over these reports.
In accordance with the jurisprudence of international courts, and under the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols:
“It is prohibited to attack, destroy, remove, or render useless objects indispensable to the survival of the civilian population, such as foodstuffs, agricultural areas for the production of foodstuffs, crops, livestock, drinking water installations and supplies, and irrigation works […] ”
(Art. 54, Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions, 1977)
Therefore, the World Water Council calls upon all parties to the conflict to fully respect their obligations under international law and to guarantee the protection of water and sanitation infrastructure, which is essential for the life of populations.
Access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation is a fundamental human right, indispensable for life and human dignity.