Global Water Justice Movement organized a one-day forum, stressing the importance of right to water, against the ongoing World Water Forum in Istanbul.
"We're actually happy that this forum is held in Istanbul. It provides an opportunity to explain the struggle against the privatization of water to the Turkish public," senior advisor on water issues to the president of UN General Assembly Maude Barlow said during an exclusive interview to bianet.
According to Barlow, the WWF is now dominated by corporations that favor privatization; therefore facing a problem of legitimacy. Also participating at the WWF as observer, Barlow said, "You can see that they lack new ideas and as a result, go into defense. During an event, some corporate representatives saw as and labeled as 'enemies'. That's the reason for such a high level of security, that's why the protestors face pressure".
In it's current state, the WWF is aiming at securing it's position and surviving, added Barlow, drawing attention to the amount of time allocated to dam projects at the forum. "In previous forums, dams weren't on the agenda this much. I don't think they could come up with new tactics here but one has to be careful about dam projects."
Relying on her observations, Barlow pointed out that the ruling Justice and Development Party government in Turkey is quite keen on privatizing water sources. "We've to warn the Turkish public. They should not support this government."
Water rights activists from more than 70 countries participated at the alternative forum held in Marmara hotel. They urge that public bodies and communities rather than corporations govern water management and related services.
Bawlow is currently acting as the chair of the biggest citizens rights movement in Canada, the Council of Canadians. She's also an active women's rights defender. She received the Right Livelihood Award in 2005 for her work.(TK/AGÜ)
