General Comment No. 16

General Comment No. 16 clarifies the rights of individuals to access clean, safe water as part of their right to an adequate standard of living. It emphasizes that governments are responsible for ensuring everyone has reliable water sources for daily needs like drinking, cooking, and hygiene. The comment highlights that water services should be available, accessible, affordable, and sustainable for all, including marginalized groups. It also calls for proper regulation, infrastructure, and policies to protect water quality and manage resources responsibly, recognizing water as essential for health, dignity, and well-being.