Ecological Uprising urges Serbia to enshrine water rights in constitution

Aleksandar Jovanović, leader of the Ecological Uprising movement, has issued a call to all political parties in Serbia to unite behind an initiative to constitutionally guarantee drinking water as a basic human right. Jovanović emphasized that this initiative, first proposed in June, has garnered support from a majority of political parties and organizations. However, he noted that the ruling party, along with the Democratic Party and Miloš Jovanović's New Democratic Party of Serbia, have yet to respond to the call. During a press conference, Jovanović pointed out the stark reality that approximately one million people in Serbia lack access to safe drinking water. He contrasted this critical issue with ongoing political debates, questioning the normalcy of not recognizing water as a fundamental right in the Serbian Constitution. Jovanović directly addressed President Aleksandar Vučić and Speaker of the Parliament Ana Brnabić, urging them to "put water in the Constitution." For other political actors who continue to ignore the initiative, Jovanović warned that "thirst will remain even after the change of government." He implored all parties to set aside political calculations and prioritize the protection of water resources, ensuring it becomes a right for every citizen of the country.

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One million people in Serbia have no drinking water, and we are discussing here whether it is normal for the Constitution of the Republic of Serbia to finally recognize drinking water as a basic human right.