A/HRC/24/44 that in times of crisis the upkeep of systems will deteriorate to a point where previous investments in the infrastructure are lost. 4. Foreign aid: low levels and ineffectiveness 38. Adding to the challenges, particularly in developing countries, decreases in foreign aid in times of economic crisis have restricted the ability of States to sustainably realize the rights to water and sanitation. The Special Rapporteur has previously outlined shortfalls in, and ineffective targeting of, overseas development aid (see A/66/255). These problems are exacerbated in times of crisis as donor countries decrease aid, unless additional measures are taken to ensure that marginalized people are prioritized in the allocation of the remaining aid. 39. Development assistance and cooperation fluctuate with donor countries’ fiscal policies and public spending priorities. Data published by OECD shows that official development assistance provided by members of the Development Assistance Committee of OECD fell by nearly 3 per cent (to 133.5 billion) in 2011 compared to 2010. This was the first drop in assistance since 1997.57 While the water and sanitation sectors have not been as affected by decreasing aid commitments as other sectors, commitments to sanitation and water were already lower than those for most social sectors. 58 40. Since the start of the global financial crisis, the majority of European countries have cut their aid budgets; for example, Ireland announced a cut of nearly €100 million (a 10.6 per cent decrease) in its 2009 budget and Spain cut its aid budget globally by approximately 75 per cent. For the poorest countries, sustainable and predictable flows of funds are therefore unlikely to be forthcoming at least until the recession is over. C. Challenges in non-State service provision 41. Human rights are neutral as to economic models and modes of service delivery. States may involve non-State actors in service provision, including private service providers, donors, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). However, the delegation of water and sanitation service delivery does not exempt the State from its human rights obligations, including acting in a sustainable manner. Irrespective of the responsibilities of non-State service providers, the State remains the primary duty-bearer for the realization of human rights. 1. Service provision by donors and non-governmental organizations 42. While support and participation of donors and NGOs in water and sanitation service delivery is welcome, there are challenges to sustainability when they become service providers and questions of accountability and transparency arise. A key risk to sustainability is the fact that few NGOs provide services on a permanent or long-term basis. Most usually disengage from projects after a certain period, which may have negative impacts on the long-term viability of services if no proper sustainability strategy is put in place. Even with the best of intentions, these systems may be responding to immediate and concrete needs to the detriment of building a system that can remain functional over time. While providing immediate access is important, it is equally central to guarantee long-term operation and maintenance, and to plan with government and communities for phased exits 57 58 12 OECD, “Development: aid to developing countries falls because of global recession”, April 2012. Available from www.oecd.org/newsroom/developmentaidtodevelopingcountriesfallsbecauseofglobalrecession.htm. GLAAS Report, p. 50.