Sustainability and non-retrogression in the realisation of the rights to water and sanitation 2013, para. 64
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- The Special Rapporteur is aware that resources available to States are limited, despite efforts to mobilize revenue. As noted in a previous report (A/66/255, para. 41 ff), this highlights the need for appropriate targeting of available resources. Human rights principles give clear guidance on this: States should initially direct resources and efforts towards meeting obligations with immediate effect, for example, targeting the realization of the core content of the human rights to water and sanitation without discrimination and protecting existing access. One of the challenges highlighted above demonstrates this need for targeting of resources: while potentially necessary for long-term sustainability of the sector, the introduction of metred service delivery at cost price can have discriminatory effects. Thus the pricing of services (as well as taxation) needs to be targeted and appropriately adjusted for the most disadvantaged and for people living in poverty. For example, scarcity pricing, penalties or higher pricing structures for non-essential use, well-designed increasing-block tariffs, subsidies for those in need, and institutional and distributive taxes, are all examples of approaches used to raise revenue and recover costs. These should be implemented in a fair manner that promotes sustainability and access for all to water and sanitation services.
- Legal status
- Non-negotiated soft law
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Means of adoption
- N.A.
- Topic(s)
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Poverty
- Water & Sanitation
- Person(s) affected
- N.A.
- Year
- 2013
- Paragraph type
- Other
- Paragraph number
- 64
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