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ICRC helps restore water supply for over 16 million people
20-03-2007 News Release 07/33
Geneva (ICRC) – "Over one billion people worldwide lack access to safe water, in particular the poor. For some 300 million of these people, the problem is exacerbated by armed conflict and internal violence," said Robert Mardini, head of the water and habitat unit of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
" It is these people – the most vulnerable of all – whom the ICRC assists, in accordance with its mandate under international humanitarian law, " he explained.
In those river basins affected by recurrent instability, inadequate access to water often stems from a lack of infrastructure. In some cases, it occurs where use exceeds the natural recharge rate. The scarcity of this vital resource leads to competition among communities – large and small – for control over water supplies, and generates tensions and even armed conflict.
In 2006, thanks to the hard work and commitment of more than 800 engineers and technicians, the ICRC provided water and sanitation for over 16 million people in 40 countries at a cost of 100 million Swiss francs. The expertise acquired by the ICRC in this field over the past 24 years has enabled the organization to bring rapid assistance to communities facing emergencies and thus to avert conflict or to mitigate its effects.
In some places, up to 30 per cent of the household income goes to securing an adequate water supply. Women in particular bear the brunt of bringing water home. This diverts their attention from family care, education and income-generating activities, thus locking millions into a life of poverty.
By adhering to its principles of neutrality and impartiality, the ICRC is able to obtain the security guarantees necessary to reach people requiring assistance in remote and often inaccessible places, such as parts of Sudan, Chad, Sri Lanka, Iraq, the Palestinian territories, Chechnya and Colombia.
For further information, please contact:Robert Mardini, ICRC Geneva, tel: +41 79 251 93 08
Anna Schaaf, ICRC Geneva, tel: +41 79 217 3217
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