Published on: 18/04/2011
April 13thseven South Asian leaders signed the “Colombo Declaration” by which they agreed to improve the access to sanitation in their countries. One of the main commitments stated in the declaration calls for adherence to the values of participation and accountability. Whereas the declaration is only a first step towards improved access to sanitation, the signatories’ commitment to participation and accountability is an important answer to the call for enhanced water integrity.
The document was signed as an outcome of the fourth South Asian Conference on Sanitation (SACOSAN IV) held in Sri Lanka from 4 -7 April 2011. A proposal for the new declaration was written by leading Civil Society Organizations including WaterAid, Freshwater Action Network South Asia (FAN-SA) and the Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council (WSSCC). Their plea for strong monitoring and accountability mechanisms, as well as community participation throughout all phases of sanitation programs was included in the final signed document.
Source: http://www.wateraid.org/international/about_us/newsroom/9716.asp
