06:00, 19 November 2024
Words by Abi Scaife, Staff Writer, London
It’s hard to think of something so basic as being scarce, but the truth is, that 3.5 billion people across the world don’t have safe, easy access to a toilet.
Even for those who do have a toilet, a number of issues like conflict, extreme weather events and disasters can damage toilets and other sanitation services.
The UN website says: “When toilet systems don’t work – or don’t exist – untreated human waste spreads in the environment, unleashing deadly diseases such as cholera.”
This year, on World Toilet Day, the UN is reminding people that toilets are and should be a safe place - somewhere you don’t have to fear for your safety and can be at peace.
They are an essential part of our lives, and we must not only protect this but make sure it is available for all, regardless of who they are or where they live.
Toilets represent dignity, equality and safety - three things that everyone, everywhere, is entitled to.
To be part of the change, check out the UN’s resource pages for World Toilet Day, and see how you can make safe sanitation available worldwide.
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
WaterAid. WaterAid is working to make clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene normal for everyone, everywhere within a generation. Find out more here.
Charity: Water. This is a global nonprofit organisation on a mission to end the water crisis by bringing clean and safe water and sanitation programs to all. Learn more here.
Water.org. This charity was founded by Gary White & Matt Damon working to bring water and sanitation to the world., and to make it safe, accessible, and cost-effective. Support them here.
This article aligns with the UN SDG Clean Water and Sanitation.
