l’Algérie appelle les membres du Conseil de sécurité à unir leurs voix
Summary of UN Meeting on Water Crisis
In New York, Algeria’s permanent representative to the United Nations, Amar Bendjama, urged the Security Council to unite in supporting the millions deprived of water due to armed conflicts. He emphasized the dire impact of attacks on water infrastructure in regions such as Gaza and Sudan, highlighting the tragic consequences for human health and dignity.
At an informal Security Council meeting focused on protecting civilian life in conflict zones, Bendjama stated, “Let us unite our voices in solidarity with the millions deprived of this fundamental need.” He pointed out the clear and troubling link between assaults on water and sanitation services and fundamental human rights violations, including the rights to life and health. He noted that such targeted actions lead to massive population displacement, as seen in Gaza and Sudan.
Bendjama called for the establishment of an "early warning mechanism" to monitor violations related to water networks, particularly attacks on hydraulic infrastructure and threats to water quality in conflict areas. He also stressed the need for mobilizing financial resources to quickly restore water supply and sanitation services in conflict-affected regions.
He insisted on accountability for those responsible for these violations, advocating for the inclusion of attacks on water infrastructure in relevant sanction regimes. Furthermore, he called for the utilization of all available tools within the Security Council to enhance guarantees regarding freshwater resources and related civilian infrastructures in conflict situations.
This informal session, co-hosted by Algeria, Slovenia, Panama, and Sierra Leone, follows Bendjama’s earlier remarks during an annual public debate on the protection of civilians in armed conflicts. He urged immediate action against humanitarian law violations in Gaza, asserting that the absence of civilian protection stems not from a lack of regulations but from a lack of will.
In conclusion, Bendjama’s passionate appeal underscores the urgent need for concerted international action to protect essential water supplies and uphold human rights in conflict zones.
