17/06/2019 (Agence Europe) – On Monday 17 June, the EU Council adopted, without debate, conclusions approving EU guidelines for access to drinking water and sanitation in its foreign policy. These guidelines give instructions on how to use the EU's wide range of foreign policy instruments and tools to promote and protect these human rights, which have been recognised by the UN General Assembly. It also recalls the commitment made in the UN Sustainable Development Programme for 2030 to “leave no one out”. Sustainable Development Goal no. 6 is to “guarantee access to water and sanitation for all and ensure sustainable management of water resources”. Globally, 2.1 billion people lack access to safe drinking water, and 4.5 billion lack access to basic sanitation facilities. (AN)