The Government of Guinea-Bissau has been urged to prioritize water and sanitation services in order to improve the lives of its population, especially women and children. This call was made by UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation, Pedro Arrojo-Agudo, following his 10-day official visit to the country.
Arrojo-Agudo highlighted the fact that only 24% of the population in Guinea-Bissau has access to safely managed drinking water services. He emphasized the disproportionate impact this lack of access has on women and children, who often bear the burden of fetching water, sometimes having to queue for hours or walk long distances to reach remote wells.
The expert expressed concern about the unsafe water and inadequate sanitation facilities in schools, health centers, hospitals, and detention centers, leading to the spread of diseases like malaria and frequent diarrhoea among children. He called on the government to prioritize public awareness campaigns on the importance of chlorination and to provide the necessary products free of charge.
Arrojo-Agudo also stressed the importance of developing sanitation and waste collection systems to address water pollution issues and protect the country’s aquifers, which are at risk due to poor sanitation practices. He emphasized the need for Guinea-Bissau to prioritize national funding for drinking water and sanitation, especially in light of potential decreases in foreign aid.
The Special Rapporteur commended Guinea-Bissau for its efforts in transboundary agreements for sustainable basin and Atlantic aquifer management but urged the country to continue these efforts to avoid environmental problems like river drying and toxic pollution. He also highlighted the impact of climate change on water resources, with extended dry seasons and rising sea levels leading to aquifer salinisation and the urgent need for resettlement in affected communities.
Arrojo-Agudo will present a detailed report on his visit to the UN Human Rights Council in September 2025. It is crucial for Guinea-Bissau to address the challenges related to water and sanitation to ensure the well-being and rights of its population, especially the most vulnerable groups.
