International Water and Sanitation Rights
Timeline of Declarations and Covenants
1948 — The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted and proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly, consists of 30 articles that define civil, political, economic, cultural, and social rights. These rights have since been incorporated into subsequent international treaties, regional human rights instruments, and national constitutions and laws. 1949 — The four Geneva Conventions, negotiated after World War II, protect civilians and combatants during armed conflict. The Additional Protocols define that civilians or civilian objects shall not be targets for attack; thus, elements essential for human survival are prohibited from attack, including water facilities. The Conventions also entitle prisoners…
