THE RIGHT TO WATER IN THE HUMAN RIGHTS SYSTEM: THEORETICAL-LEGAL AND PRACTICAL ANALYSIS
Keywords:
human rights, right to water, safe drinking water, adequate standard of living, right to health, sanitation, non-discrimination, state obligationsAbstract
This scientific article analyzes the human right to water as an independent and comprehensive legal category within the human rights system. The main objective of the article is to analyze the human right to water from a theoretical, legal, and practical perspective as an independent and comprehensive legal institution within the human rights system. Additionally, the article examines the views of foreign and domestic scientists on how water is considered a vital factor in ensuring human life, health, personal dignity, a decent standard of living, and sanitary and hygienic conditions. The study examines the theoretical and legal content of the right to water, its role in the human rights system, the state’s obligations to provide the population with safe and high-quality drinking water, and existing practical problems in the implementation of this right. It also highlights the importance of the principles of equality, non-discrimination, social justice, openness, and accountability in ensuring the right to water.
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