The water crisis in fragile contexts
Read our new report
Our new report, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene in Fragile and Conflict-Affected States: How the UK Government can tackle the water crisis, highlights how COVID-19 is exacerbating existing challenges for children living in fragile and conflict-affected states (FCAS).
The pandemic has unearthed the long-lasting and deep-rooted water crisis. Handwashing hygiene is the first line of defence against COVID-19 and has been consistently promoted across the globe as the primary preventative measure. Yet, in the 60 countries identified as the highest risk of health and humanitarian crises due to the virus, 2 out of 3 people – 1 billion people in total – lack basic handwashing facilities with soap and water at home. Around half are children.
Before COVID-19, children under 5 living in conflict were more than 20 times more likely to die from diseases linked to unsafe water and sanitation than from direct violence.
The report warns that the water crisis in FCAS – combined with COVID-19 – will lead to impacts of a devastating magnitude for children. The future of children living in FCAS is at an even greater risk now.
What are we calling for?
The UK Government can help to turn the tide on the increasing deadly consequences of the water crisis in FCAS for children.
Over the course of this year, the UK’s presidency of the G7 and COP26 brings unique opportunities for the Government to be a global leader in the pandemic response and initiate a recovery that goes beyond a focus on COVID-19.
We’re calling on the UK Government to:
- COMMIT – To return to spending 0.7% of GNI on aid no later than 2022, and confirm that the cut will not affect the world’s most vulnerable children living in FCAS.
- INVEST – In life-saving, essential and climate-resilient WASH and health services for the hardest to reach children – now and in the future.
- DELIVER – The Leave No One Behind pledge and Manifesto commitments by targeting FCAS in its COVID-19 preparedness, response and recovery strategy.
- CHAMPION – Increased leadership, support and investment for WASH programming in FCAS.
