Increasing water scarcity can fuel conflicts around the world, the United Nations has warned.

Globally, 2.2 billion people lack access to safely managed drinking water and 3.5 billion lack access to safely managed sanitation.

This is according to the report by the UN Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation UNESCO released for World Water Day.

UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay said one in two people worldwide suffers from water scarcity for several months of the year.

“In some parts of the world, water scarcity has become the rule rather than the exception. We know the consequences of such a situation: water shortages not only fan the flames of geopolitical tensions but also pose a threat to fundamental rights as a whole.

“For example, by considerably undermining the position of girls and women,” she said.

Ms Azoulay said access to water and preserving water resources were core societal challenges.

The report estimated that universal access to safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene in 140 low and middle-income countries would cost approximately $1.7 trillion from 2016 to 2030 or $114 billion per year.

The report is published annually to mark World Water Day, which this year focuses on the theme of ‘Water for Prosperity and Peace.’

(NAN)