Sixth World Water Forum tackles access to water

Experts this week are gathering at the Sixth World Water Forum in the French port city of Marseille to try to come up with solutions to the world's water-related challenges.

It’s estimated that more than 780 million people don't have access to clean water while around 2 ½ billion don't have a toilet facilities.

At the Forum, the International Committee of the Red Cross will lead discussions on the importance of ground-level cooperation and communication in coming up with practical solutions, especially in conflict-affected areas.
"We're seeing some worrying 'cause and effect' trends leading to increased vulnerability and violence," said the ICRC’s regional water and habitat adviser for the Middle East, Michael Talhami. "The highly inequitable distribution of resources, widespread environmental and natural resource sustainability issues, a lack of cooperation between authorities, rapid population growth, and climate change are all factors that contribute to greater competition for scarce resources, hindered economic growth, a rise in forced migration and increased tensions."
Listen to full interview by Charles Collins with ICRC spokesperson Anna Nelson: