UN Expert Encourages Egypt to Continue its Advancements towards Realisation of Right to Water, Sanitation

A United Nations expert has commended Egypt for making significant progress in advancing the right to clean water and sanitation, highlighting the country’s strong legal framework and institutional capacity to address water-related challenges.

Speaking at the conclusion of his official visit to Egypt, Pedro Arrojo Agudo, UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation, praised the government’s efforts to expand access to essential services.

“I have seen an important legal and institutional framework, as well as a high level of capacity in dealing with challenges affecting the right to drinking water and sanitation,” Arrojo Agudo said in a statement.

He underscored the impact of the presidential “A Decent Life” initiative, a nationwide rural development programme that includes 1,814 drinking water and sanitation projects. The initiative has played a key role in improving infrastructure and extending services to underserved communities across the country.

The Special Rapporteur also welcomed Egypt’s tiered water pricing system, which ensures affordable access for basic household consumption. He stressed the importance of maintaining low costs for essential water services and expanding support for those living in extreme poverty to guarantee universal access to safe drinking water.

In addition, Arrojo Agudo encouraged continued transparency and public access to data, describing it as vital to strengthening participation and fostering constructive dialogue on water governance.

He is expected to present his full findings and recommendations to the UN Human Rights Council in September 2026.