A/62/214 poverty are not enjoying access to safe water and adequate sanitation, the State has a duty to take reasonable measures that ensure access to all; (c) Water and sanitation must be accessible to all without discrimination on any of the prohibited grounds, such as sex, race, ethnicity, disability and socio-economic status; (d) Reliable information about water and sanitation must be accessible to all so that they can make well-informed decisions. 75. As well as being available and accessible, the right to health requires that water and sanitation facilities be respectful of gender and life-cycle requirements and be culturally acceptable. For example, measures should ensure that sanitation facilities are mindful of the privacy of women, men and children. 76. The right to health requires that water services and sanitation facilities be of good quality. Water required for personal and domestic use should be safe and free from micro-organisms, chemical substances and radiological hazards which constitute a threat to a person’s health. 42 States should establish water quality regulations and standards on the basis of the WHO Guidelines for drinking water quality. 43 Similarly, sanitation facilities should be of adequate quality. Each person should have affordable access to sanitation services, facilities and installations that are adequate for the promotion and protection of human health and dignity. Good health requires the protection of the environment from human waste; this can only be achieved if everyone has access to, and utilizes, adequate sanitation. 44 Good quality water and sanitation reduce susceptibility to anaemia and other conditions that cause maternal and infant mortality and morbidity. Combating discrimination, inequality and vulnerability 77. Arising out of the concepts of non-discrimination and equality, international human rights law has a preoccupation with vulnerability and disadvantage. This requires a State to take measures in favour of disadvantaged communities and individuals. In the present context, non-discrimination and equality have numerous implications. For example, they require a State to establish a national water and sanitation policy that is mindful of national and local health priorities and includes policies and programmes that address the needs of the disadvantaged. Non-discrimination and equality also require a State to give attention to individuals and groups who have special water and sanitation needs owing to health, climate or other conditions. 78. The right to health therefore requires a State to design a national water and sanitation policy aimed at ensuring equitable access for vulnerable and disadvantaged individuals and groups, including women and children, ethnic minority and indigenous populations, persons living in poverty, persons living with HIV/AIDS, internally displaced persons, the elderly, persons with disabilities, prisoners and others. __________________ 42 43 44 07-45379 E/2003/22-E/C.12/2002/13, annex IV, general comment 15, para. 12 (b). WHO, “Guidelines for drinking water quality” (2006). See E/CN.4/Sub.2/2004/20, para. 44. 17