OTTAWA - New Democrats are applauding today's vote at the United Nations to recognize access to water and sanitation as basic human rights. They also expressed dismay at the Harper government’s refusal to support the resolution.

“Today's historic vote by the United Nations is an important step forward in easing human suffering around the world,” said New Democrat Water Critic Bruce Hyer (Thunder Bay—Superior North). “UN recognition of access to safe, clean drinking water and basic sanitation as human rights will help stem the privatization of public water resources, and alleviate concerns regarding the withholding of water from people who can’t afford to pay for it.”

“It was disappointing to see the Conservative Government abstain from supporting this vital resolution,” said New Democrat Foreign Affairs Critic Paul Dewar (Ottawa Centre). “Lack of access to water and sanitation is behind the death of over 4,000 children every single day. For all his rhetoric on child health, you would think Mr. Harper would champion this motion instead of working behind the scenes to block it.”

The resolution was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly by a vote of 124 to zero (with 42 abstentions). It was sponsored by 34 countries and spearheaded by Bolivia. In 2000, the water supply in Cochabamba, Bolivia was privatized, depriving its residents of free access to water, even rainwater, and causing widespread civil unrest.

New Democrats are congratulating Canadian civil society activists in their tireless effort to secure this historic victory.