How does WASH contribute to peace? 3 questions to Manal Sami Alshraideh

What do you think are the biggest obstacles, from a WASH perspective, that affect peaceful cooperation?

In conflict-ridden regions, characterized by social, political, and sometimes military unrest, the provision of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) services faces significant obstacles, hindering peaceful cooperation.

As part of SIWI’s WASH department, which is dedicated to addressing water-related challenges in diverse contexts, including those affected by conflict, I understand the complex dynamics at play. Heightened security concerns and political complexities exacerbate these challenges, resulting in limited accessibility and compromised quality of WASH services.

Moreover, the strategic withholding of WASH services exacerbates the situation, as some areas lack official and legal service provision for WASH. For example, rural communities often rely on informal agreements with illegal providers which leaves room for accidents, misuse and abuse of power. This also underscores the urgent need for structured governance and regulatory frameworks in the WASH sector to ensure equitable access to essential services for all communities.