A/HRC/42/47/Add.3 tensions are evident between the Government and local authorities, particularly surrounding the degree of centralisation and decentralisation of water and sanitation provision, and what each is responsible for undertaking. Such a lack of coordination between national and local governments can confuse the process of provision, which in turn makes achieving human rights more challenging (A/HRC/36/45/Add.1, para. 35). 12. The Government noted that “[t]here have been significant improvements regarding dialogue and exchange of information among all levels of government in relation to access to water and sanitation.” In particular, it highlighted the efforts made to create a Standing Committee to “establish guidelines of a political nature in the context of the adverse climatic phenomenon of drought”, as improving dialogue in this area had been determined to be essential in order to increase the awareness of ministries to the effects of these conditions on water and sanitation access on people in Portugal. Additionally, the Government noted that in 2017 a month-long event involving an exhibition reflecting on Portugal’s commitment to SDG 6, and a round table discussion between various secretaries of state was initiated in order to “improve the dialogue across ministries and vertical levels of government….” 13. The Special Rapporteur notes that the Government has reflected on his recommendation and clearly understands the need for greater cooperation and coordination between the different government actors within the water and sanitation sector. However, he regrets that the information received is incapable of showing the effects of the Government’s putative improvements and whether they have been, or are, capable of defragmenting responsibility and promoting better information exchange and dialogue within the sector. As such, more must be done to find solutions to the complexity of the current system, and to address the difficulties observed by the Special Rapporteur with regards to dialogue, coordination and the exchange of information between government bodies. LIMITED PROGRESS: The Special Rapporteur reaffirms his recommendation to the Government to take concerted efforts to improve coordination, dialogue and exchange of information between all levels of Government in relation to the human rights to water and sanitation. As an example, monthly or quarter coordination meetings involving all stakeholders in the water and sanitation sector can be a start to improve coordination and exchange of information. C. Recommendation on legal provisions regarding Azores and Madeira RECOMMENDATION 3: “Stipulate explicit legal provisions that oblige local authorities and the autonomous governments of Azores and Madeira to respect, protect and fulfil the human rights to water and sanitation.” (A/HRC/36/45/Add.1, para 82(c)) 14. Whilst the autonomous regions of Azores and Madeira are themselves in charge of water and sanitation provision and monitoring within their respective jurisdictions, they remain bound by the overall legislative framework of Portugal, and by the international human rights commitments of the Government. Despite this, it was noted by the Special Rapporteur that the Government has not implemented any legal provisions that require the respective autonomous governments of Azores and Madeira to progressively realise the human rights to water and sanitation (A/HRC/36/45/Add.1, para. 35). 15. Regrettably, the Government did not respond to the question in the follow-up questionnaire regarding this recommendation, and no additional information has been obtainable regarding any legislative initiatives taken to ensure the commitment of the governments of Azores and Madeira to the human rights to water and sanitation. Accordingly, for the purposes of this report, the Special Rapporteur considers that no progress has been achieved in this regard. PROGRESS NOT STARTED: The Special Rapporteur restates his recommendation that the Government should legally oblige local governments, and the autonomous governments of Azores and Medeira, to respect, protect and fulfil the human rights to 4