Multimillion dollar grant offered by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation aimed at “reinventing the toilet” through new technology to save water and transform human waste into energy and fertilizer is welcomed. UN Special Rapporteur Catarina de Albuquerque alerted though that “the great challenge ahead is making sure that people actually use the new hardware solutions.” (From UN Office of High Commissioner on Human Rights Sources) “New technology alone is not enough to overcome the sanitation and water crisis we face, Investments in software solutions, like awareness rising among the people on the vital importance of sanitation, are crucial to make sure the hardware solutions are actually used, as I have witnessed in some of the countries I have visited. I urge all countries which face challenges in ensuring access to sanitation for the whole population, to associate the creation of hardware solutions with awareness raising and education activities, on hygiene promotion, including hand washing, as well as on the crucial importance of safe sanitation as a means to decrease child mortality and improve health conditions,” Ms. de Albuquerque, the expert on the human right to safe drinking water and sanitation. stressed. Even though the primary responsibility for the realisation of human rights lies with States, the Special Rapporteur noted that support by other parties – in this case a private foundation – are most welcome. “If we combine the desperate situation the world is facing concerning sanitation with the growing water crisis, the Gates’ initiative proves to be even more valuable,” she said. “It aims at coming up with a solution for sanitation, while avoiding wasting precious water flushing toilets.” Sanitation Lagging as MDG: The Special Rapporteur emphasized that sanitation is one of the most off-track of the UN Millennium Development Goals and new ideas for the sector are urgently needed, if the world aims to meet the target of reducing by 50% the number of persons without access to improved sanitation. “Sanitation is a human right which has been recognised as such by the UN General Assembly precisely one year ago, and through this resolution governments have committed to adopt measures in order to ensure that this right becomes a reality for all,” Ms. de Albuquerque said. “Sanitation, as well as water, must hence be safe, culturally acceptable, affordable, accessible and available to all without discrimination.” Renaming the "John" or "Crapper"? The only question that would remain is would the popular vernacular "john" be renamed the "bill"? Bill Clinton was not enthusiastic about the idea, having already weathered the risk of "the bill" becoming the name for a new tobacco-less smoking device. Another popular name, the "crapper," came from Thomas Crapper, the man credited with many improvements to the toilet, including something known as the "ballcock." (It is believed that Thomas promoted the brand "crapper" as he was a plumber who owned his own business. It is easy to understand why history opted to employ "crapper" over "ballcock," as the toilet would have risked becoming an all male refuge. My guess is though that Mr. Crapper did not anticipate the evolution of the derivative "crap." Related Reports – “Humanitarian Channel” - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/c/humanitarian By Ambassador Muhamed Sacirbey Facebook – Become a Fan at “Diplomatically Incorrect” Twitter – Follow us at DiplomaticallyX