UN Calls for Action on Water Crisis as Climate Change Worsens Access to Safe Drinking Water
The United Nations has reiterated that access to water is a fundamental right, not a privilege, as billions of people worldwide continue to face shortages of safe drinking water and sanitation.
In a post on its official X account, the UN warned that the ongoing climate crisis is exacerbating water insecurity, affecting vulnerable communities the most.
"Water is a right, not a privilege. Yet, billions of people still lack access to safe drinking water and sanitation — and the climate crisis is only making things worse," the post read.
The global water crisis has been a major concern, with extreme weather events such as droughts and floods disrupting water supplies.
According to the UN, the situation calls for urgent action under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 6, which focuses on clean water and sanitation for all.
Uganda is among the countries facing severe water challenges, especially in semi-arid regions like Karamoja and parts of the cattle corridor in districts such as Nakasongola and Nakapiripirit. In these areas, communities often share scarce water sources with livestock and wildlife, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases.
During dry seasons, residents in Karamoja trek long distances to access water, sometimes resorting to unprotected wells and ponds used by animals.
In districts like Kaabong and Moroto, herders and wild animals, including elephants from nearby national parks, compete for water sources, leading to frequent human-wildlife conflicts.
The UN has emphasised the need for sustainable water management solutions, such as drilling boreholes, constructing rainwater harvesting systems, and implementing climate-resilient water infrastructure.
These efforts are critical in ensuring that safe and clean water reaches all communities, reducing health risks and improving livelihoods.
As the climate crisis intensifies, the UN urges the global community to accelerate action to ensure that safe water and sanitation become accessible to all, in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
