Catarina de Albuquerque, Who Championed Water as a Human Right at the UN, Dies at 55

Catarina de Albuquerque, a prominent Portuguese jurist and the first UN Special Rapporteur on the human right to water and sanitation, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 55. She was also the current executive director of the global coalition Sanitation and Water for All (SWA).

A Legacy of Universal Rights

During her tenure as UN Special Rapporteur, which began in 2008, her efforts were instrumental in the recognition of access to safe drinking water and sanitation as a universal human right in 2010. This milestone underscored her lifelong commitment to improving living conditions for the most vulnerable.

Tributes from Leaders

Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa expressed deep sorrow in an official note of condolence, praising her as an inspiration who tirelessly worked to uphold human dignity. Colleagues at SWA described her as a "force of nature" with contagious energy and resilience, leaving a lasting impact on communities and world leaders alike.

Water as a Political Issue

Catarina de Albuquerque was a fierce advocate who emphasized that water scarcity is more a political problem than a technological one. In a 2022 interview, she argued for robust public policies over mere infrastructure investments, stating that courageous politicians and fair water management are essential for current and future generations. She highlighted how exclusion—due to financial barriers or informal settlements—often denies people their basic rights.

Integrating Rights into Global Goals

Her work ensured that water and sanitation rights were embedded in the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6, which aims for universal access to safe water and sanitation by 2030. This includes targets like reducing pollution and eliminating hazardous waste dumping.

Awards and Recognition

In 2009, she received the Gold Medal for Human Rights from the Portuguese Parliament and the Order of Merit from the President of Portugal. Before her UN role, she made significant contributions to children's rights and economic, social, and cultural rights, advising authorities worldwide to bring tangible improvements to people's lives.