"Moral imperative" to end open defecation says UN Chief


The world has the "moral imperative" to end the practice of defecating in the open, according to the UN Secretary-General.

In a message to mark World Toilet Day on 19th November, Ban Ki-moon highlighted the dangers women and girls face if they do not have access to safe sanitation facilities.

Mr Ban said that 1.25 billion women and girls around the world face disease, shame and potential violence when they seek a place to defecate.

He stressed that it was important to form a global partnership to address the challenge as countries work towards a sustainable development agenda for the period beyond 2015.

He added that meeting the goal of sanitation for all people will involve more money and comprehensive planning, underpinned by strong political will.

He urged the international community to spare no effort to bring equality, dignity and safety to women and girls around the world.

SOURCE: Stephanie Castro, United Nations