Water utilization and population demography in South Africa: key ethical and human rights issues
Date
2010-09-23
Authors
Mugabi, Brian
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Abstract
Access to sufficient water is a constitutionally recognized right in the
Republic of South Africa as well as being a Universal Human Right.
Despite this however, the world wide population numbers are ever
growing and water is known to be finite. The Constitution’s Bill of
Rights gives South African citizens the right to reproductive choices.
South Africa is a water stressed country, with three forces feeding
into availability of freshwater, namely; climate change, demographic
factors, and policies. Currently, the problem of accessing safe
freshwater is under question. This is presents a problem as the
Constitution also addresses the right to a healthy environment.
Uncontrolled population growth is detrimental to environmental
integrity. It is arguable as to whether it is possible to conserve the
environment, and at the same time realize human reproductive
rights as envisioned in the Constitution. In this research report I
reflect on the state of water and environmental resources in view of
the right to procreate. I suggest that environmental education could
play a major role in finding “the right balance”.
Description
MMed,Bioethics and Health Law, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand
Keywords
water, human rights, ethics, demography, population