U.N. Rep. to Join NSU ‘Symposium on Water: A Human Right’

The Shepard Broad Law Center invites you to attend A Symposium on Water: A Human Right on Friday and Saturday, September 16 and 17, 2011.

The symposium will cover why safe and clean drinking water and sanitation is a human right essential to the full enjoyment of life and all other human rights – a declaration that was made by the U.N. General Assembly in 2010. The U.N. has voiced deep concern that almost 900 million people worldwide do not have access to clean water.

Come to discuss treaty obligations, implementation and barriers to clean water. There will also be a Water Art Fundraiser with all proceeds going to supply potable water to those in need.

• What:  Symposium on Water: A Human Right
• When: September 16^th, 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
  September 17^th, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

 

A tentative schedule of events is below (subject to change):

Friday, September 16^th – the framework of international legal obligations with regard to water; the impact environmental law has in providing clean potable water, and the importance of clean water on the mental health.  Silent Art Auction (piece donated by Artist, Rhonda Long), all proceeds going to the organization of the highest bidder’s choice.

6:00-6:45         Light Refreshments

Rhonda Long Art Exhibit (the art exhibit will remain open until 9:30pm)

6:45-7:00         Welcome Address (Dean Steele)

7:00-7:30         Professor Doug Donoho
Nova Southeastern University, Shepard Broad Law Center, Human Rights Law Professor and Supervisor
of the International Law Journal

7:30-8:00         Professor Rhett Larson
Arizona State University Sandra Day O’Conner College of Law
Water Law and Administrative Law Professor

8:00-8:30         Shannon Estenoz, Director
Everglades Restoration Initiatives United States Department of the Interior

8:30-9:00         Dr. Nan Palmer – “Water: A Basic Human Right for Body, Mind, and Empowerment”

Washburn University
Acting BSW Program Director, Professor
Dr. Palmer will discuss the function of water, hereafter referred to as water hydration, in the human
body and mind. A review of the literature suggests that we are clearly under- informed on these critical
needs.  A person’s mere “right to water” is not sufficient. “Right to adequate water” is the critical issue.

9:00-9:30         Closing remarks for the day (Professor Imoukhuede);

Rhonda Long Art Exhibit open until 9:30pm

Saturday, September 17^{th –} organization organizers that operate in different countries will discuss how they operate and conflicts they face with regard to legal obligations.  Silent Art Auction (piece donated by Artist, Rhonda Long), all proceeds going to the organization of the highest bidder’s choice.

10:00-10:45     Light Breakfast

Rhonda Long Art Exhibit (the art exhibit will remain open until 2:30pm)

10:45-11:00     Opening Remarks (Professor Imoukhuede)

11:00-11:30     Well Aware – Sarah Evans
Ms. Evans who is an attorney will discuss the water crisis in Africa in general, specific water issues
contributing to the stagnance (or even decline) of African communities, and US and other western
perception and response (the good and the bad/effective and ineffective).

11:30-12:00     Fonkoze – Ms. Katleen Felix
Provides a micro finance solution to water and discusses how water is now being used more as a
commodity rather than a general good.  Areas of work include Haiti particularly developing rural
communities.

12:00-1:00       Lunch

Rhonda Long Art Exhibit

1:00-1:30         United Nations
The water specialist will discuss where legal obligations stand today (re-emphasizing Prof. Donoho’s
introductory note).  The UN representative will also discuss what they consider success and conflict in
implementing what they termed a “Human Right” through a 2010 General Assembly resolution.

1:30-2:00         Partners in Health
Organization works particularly in areas hardest hit by lack of clean water (Haiti, Peru, Mexico, etc.) 
Organization will discuss problems that an NGO faces in regards to Water, such as providing access to
health care and education to the poor, community partnerships, and serving the poor through the
public sector.

2:00-2:15         Closing Address (Dean Steele)

Rhonda Long Art Exhibit open until 2:30pm

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