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In many places around the world, people lack sanitation or running water – like here in a refugee camp in Mauritania. © AFP
Millions of people have no access to sanitary facilities – with dramatic consequences. A guest article by Peter Ruhenstroth-Bauer, National Director of the UN Refugee Agency.
Toilet infrastructure – not a word that is often used in everyday life. It sounds kind of embarrassing, technical and bureaucratic. On November 19th, World Toilet Day, we are focusing on this very topic: For many of us, access to a toilet is a given, but 3.5 billion people worldwide live without adequate sanitation. This is not just a question of hygiene, but of dignity, health and survival – especially for people on the run.
A functioning toilet infrastructure is an essential part of human dignity. But for millions of refugees and internally displaced people, this fundamental right remains unfulfilled. Emergency shelters and refugee camps often lack clean water, let alone safe and hygienic toilets.
The lack of basic sanitation leads to devastating consequences: diseases such as cholera, diarrhea and typhus are spreading, and the already vulnerable refugees are exposed to even greater health risks.
The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) works worldwide to ensure that people on the move have access to safe sanitation. This goal requires not only resources, but also innovative solutions that are tailored to the special challenges in crisis areas.
The impact of the lack of toilets extends far beyond the health risks. Women and girls are particularly affected. Without access to safe toilets, they often have to travel long distances to relieve themselves in nature – a risk that exposes them to violence and abuse.
The lack of access also affects education: girls stay away from school during their menstruation because there are no suitable sanitary facilities available. These restrictions have long-term consequences for their future.
The challenges of sanitation are exacerbated by flight and displacement. Refugee camps, which are often set up under extreme conditions, are often overcrowded. Providing toilets and clean water is a mammoth logistical task here.
Nevertheless, UNHCR projects show that improvements are possible. In Uganda, for example, the construction of latrine-like toilets has significantly improved sanitary conditions in refugee settlements.
The UN Refugee Agency, national partner of the UNHCR, supports projects that promote sustainable and innovative sanitation solutions. In crisis areas, mobile toilets or latrine-like systems that are easy to install are often used. In urban contexts where many refugees live in precarious conditions, UNHCR relies on partnerships with local communities to strengthen existing infrastructure.
Particular attention is also paid to education: hygiene training and awareness campaigns are crucial to preventing illnesses. Many projects also pay attention to ecological aspects, for example through the use of composting toilets or the recycling of water.
All of these measures together form WASH: water, sanitation and hygiene – because the UNHCR is committed to ensuring that displaced people have access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene measures. These life-saving services contribute to their protection, health, well-being and dignity and help prevent disease outbreaks.
World Toilet Day reminds us that a toilet is more than a quiet place: it can also be a symbol of safety, health and dignity.
Every donation, every support makes a difference. With our help, we can help ensure that people on the run also have access to safe sanitation – and thus a chance at a healthy and dignified life.
Help us end this crisis. Because a world in which every person has access to a toilet is a more humane world. Maybe we should include toilet infrastructure in our everyday language from time to time. More at: uno-fluechtlingshilfe.de
Peter Ruhenstroth-Bauer is National Director of the UN Refugee Agency.
How does the lack of sanitation for refugees specifically impact women’s safety and health, and what measures are being taken to mitigate these risks?
1. Tell us about the UNHCR’s work to ensure that refugees and displaced persons have access to basic sanitation facilities. Which regions or countries are most affected by this issue?
2. The lack of sanitation can have severe consequences, including the spread of diseases and violence against women and girls. Can you provide more details on how this affects the health and overall well-being of refugees?
3. Are there any innovative or sustainable solutions that the UNHCR is implementing to address these challenges? Can you share some examples?
4. What role does education play in improving sanitation among refugee populations? How does UNHCR approach this aspect of its work?
5. How do you see the importance of WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) services in the context of refugee assistance? Can you provide examples of how these services have made a difference in the lives of displaced people?
6. What is the biggest obstacle in ensuring that refugees have access to safe and hygienic toilets? What challenges do humanitarian organizations face in providing these facilities in emergency situations?
7. What can individuals and organizations do to help support the UNHCR’s work on sanitation for refugees? Are there any specific campaigns or initiatives that they could get involved in?
8. With World Toilet Day being recognized on November 19th, what message would you like to share with the global community about the importance of access to safe sanitation, particularly for refugees and displaced persons?
