Without water, life does not exist.

This year, our Minority and Indigenous Trends report focuses on water

The world is experiencing an unprecedented water crisis. From drought to floods and food insecurity to conflict, our report investigates the intersecting water crises faced by minorities and indigenous peoples worldwide.

About the report >  | The cover photo story >  |  Recommendations >

Reflections on water rights worldwide

VANDANA SHIVA

PEDRO
ARROJO-AGUDO

RAJENDRA SINGH

What is the water crisis all about?

People, Process and Planet – that is what it comes down to. Read these chapters written by experts to understand why.

People
Planet
Process

How does water inequity manifest itself?

Access

Minorities and indigenous peoples throughout the world are experiencing serious levels of water poverty.

Sanitation

Sanitation is a major concern for minority and indigenous communities impacted by water shortages, displacement or pollution.

Pollution

Rising water pollution levels are catalysing compounded rights violations for minorities and indigenous peoples.

Floods

Extreme weather is increasingly aggravating the exclusion faced by minority and indigenous communities worldwide.

Drought

Droughts are intensifying, intersecting with and worsening rights violations for minorities and indigenous peoples.

Infrastructure

Inadequate, unplanned or environmentally destructive infrastructure is spawning rights violations for minorities and indigenous peoples worldwide.

Conflict

Pre-existing tensions are exacerbated by water stress and scarcity, leading to many forms of conflict impacting minorities and indigenous peoples.

Usage

Minorities, indigenous peoples and marginalized farming communities are facing humanitarian and human rights crises caused by rising demands on water.

Governance

Achieving recognition for minority and indigenous peoples’ rights over water is a vital step towards water justice.

Culture

For many minorities and indigenous peoples, water is an intrinsic part of community spiritual beliefs and cultural identities.

Take action

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Banner video: Leweton Village Cultural Group perform ‘Sogor (Rim Rim Siag)’, on Espiritu Santo Island in Vanuatu, in an excerpt from Vanuatu Women’s Water Music (2015), directed by Tim Cole and produced by Further Arts and Small Island Big Song.