A Human right to water while the well runs dry: analyzing the legal and regulatory framework of Yemen water law

Abstract

Yemen is currently in the midst of great unrest. Amongst many different conflicts there is one that receives less attention than others, that of water. Yemen is expected to be the first country in the world to run out of water. By 2025 the estimated 4.2 million inhabitants of Yemen’s capital, Sana’a, may become water refugees. This water crisis is caused by the scarcity of available water in Yemen owing to its arid climate, limited rainfall and the absence of permanent rivers. In addition overexploitation of groundwater and the contamination of water resources are major problems. This water crisis has brought about enormous instability and conflict in this country, resulting in about 4000 deaths a year. Furthermore, 90 per cent of the 17.5 million citizens do not have access to sufficient amounts of water and only 40 per cent have access to safe drinking water and sanitation; 80 per cent of its water resources are consumed by the agricultural sector. Therefore, aiming towards equal access to water for citizens, especially water for personal and domestic uses as formulated by the human right to water, is essential for a stable future. Law can contribute to reaching this goal.