In Curaçao, hundreds of families have been disconnected from water due to lack of money, or they have never even been connected to the water network. Human rights organisations in Curaçao are therefore concerned about Curaçao households that are currently disconnected. The Ombudsman of Curaçao, together with the Ombudsman of Sint Maarten and the National Ombudsman, have already highlighted the lack of access to clean drinking water for vulnerable citizens in Curaçao in 2020.

Association Hende-i-Medio-Ambiente (HiMA) has initiated proceedings against the Country of Curaçao over the right of access to clean water and adequate sanitation for a group of vulnerable people, including the elderly and minor children. HiMA therefore approached PILP because of the proceedings in the Netherlands on the right to water for children. The same arguments are at play in both proceedings and the Country of Curaçao relies on the first instance judgment of the District Court of The Hague. Defence for Children Netherlands and the NJCM appealed against that ruling.

On behalf of and with Defence for Children Netherlands and the NJCM, as amicus curiae, PILP has written an amicus brief to the Court in First Instance in Curaçao. In the letter, the organisations address what the right to water for children includes and why they should not be cut off from water. In this way, PILP, NJCM and Defence for Children Netherlands hope to contribute to the protection of children’s rights in the Kingdom of the Netherlands. They very much hope that the Court in First Instance will consider this amicus brief and that the brief will contribute to the present proceedings.

Read more about the case on right to water here.