“There is a growing tendency, despite its scarcity, to privatize this resource, turning it into a commodity subject to the laws of the market. Yet access to safe drinkable water is a basic and universal human right, since it is essential to human survival and, as such, is a condition for the exercise of other human rights.”
Pope Francis, Laudato Si', 30
Touched by God’s mercy and compassion and fired by the inspiration of the Gospel and Catherine McAuley, Sisters of Mercy advocate for clean water rights for all, standing in solidarity with and working alongside those most affected.
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Background
Water is free beverage’ said our foundress Catherine McAuley. Her words challenge the Mercy family to recognise and publicly support others’ fundamental rights to water. Catherine also said ‘I never liked anything better than I now like a good drink of water’. We take action to ensure access to, protection and preservation of fresh water for all living creatures, human as well as non-human.
Related Issues
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Extractivism
The extractive development model, which depends on the exploitation of non-renewable natural resources, contributes to poverty, inequality, ecological destruction, and human rights violations. Read more about extractivism, find resources, and learn how MGA advocates for alternative models of development that prioritize human and environmental rights.
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Climate
As climate change and environmental degradation have disproportionate effects on marginalized communities and those who did least to contribute to the climate crisis, Mercy Global Action calls for putting equity and human rights at the core of decision-making and action on climate change. Read more about climate justice, find resources, and learn how MGA advocates on climate issues at the United Nations