A/67/270 66. While the situation of groups that form a relatively large part of the population can be monitored through the standard survey data used by the Joint Monitoring Programme, this is not always possible for small population groups since oversampling, to the degree necessary to detect discrimination or inequality, is not feasible. For small groups, special studies are needed that should be guided by a standard procedure manual containing guidelines for conducting special studies of small marginalized groups. E. Address individual-related inequalities relevant in every country 67. Evidence shows that women and girls, older people, people with chronic illnesses and persons with disabilities often face particular barriers in accessing water and sanitation, and that these barriers are experienced both within the household and when accessing community and public facilities. Global monitoring data have demonstrated that women and girls shoulder the burden of collecting household water, restricting their time for other activities, including education and work. Moreover, when households share sanitation facilities, women and girls may be required by social norms concerning privacy to avoid using the facilities except during hours of darkness, when their personal safety may be at increased risk. When sanitation and water facilities are not designed with them in mind, older persons and those with physical access constraints, including disabilities may face obstacles to accessing and using these facilities. Such discrimination based on sex/gender, age, disability, and health status occurs across the globe and in all strata of society. 68. Human rights law requires that effective measures be taken to end discriminatory impacts based on sex/gender, disability, age and health status in all fields. States are obliged to take measures to enhance equality in all places where its impacts are felt, both public and private spheres. While human rights law does not require governments to directly provide water or to build sanitation facilities wherever they are lacking, it does oblige governments to take steps to ensure that everyone can access these rights without discrimination. It also requires States to provide basic services where individuals cannot access what they need, such as in displacement camps. In government-run institutions, such as primary schools, hospitals or places of detention, the direct provision of services will usually be required. 69. Much has been learned through questions in household surveys about intrahousehold inequalities related to water collection. Much less is known about such inequalities concerning sanitation and hygiene, and about water, sanitation and hygiene-related household inequalities concerning age and disability. Given that not all households share resources and assets equally among their members and that some may be relatively more privileged than others, commanding more income and accessing greater consumption opportunities, it is imperative to accurately disaggregate intrahousehold data regarding household resources such as water and sanitation. There is evidence that intrahousehold inequality and poverty may disproportionately affect women, persons with disabilities, children and older persons. Targets and indicators should be phrased to require monitoring of intrahousehold inequalities. They should shine a powerful light on areas that need change and ensure that monitoring is in line with the human rights imperative to overcome inequalities wherever they occur. 12-45653 19

Select target paragraph3

Connect to a paragraph
Connect to an entity
Disable highlights
Add to table of contents