A/HRC/15/55* I. Introduction 1. In the present report, the independent expert on the issue of human rights obligations related to access to safe drinking water and sanitation, Catarina de Albuquerque, and the independent expert on the question of human rights and extreme poverty, Magdalena Sepúlveda, document the findings of their joint mission to Bangladesh from 3 to 10 December 2009. During the visit, they collected information on the human rights situation of people living in extreme poverty, including social protection policies, and analysed their access to safe drinking water and sanitation. They also analysed the links between the issues falling under their respective mandates. 2. In the report, they address issues of common concern to both mandates. Each mandate holder also addresses specific issues separately. 3. The experts met with the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, the Foreign Secretary, Mohamed Mijarul Quayes, and the secretaries or other high ranking officials from various other ministries, including those of planning; social welfare; local government; finance; housing and public works; health and family welfare; women and children’s affairs; food and disaster management; law, justice and parliamentary affairs; labour and employment; education; water resources; and the Dhaka Water Authority. The experts also met with the Anti-Corruption Commission and the National Human Rights Commission. 4. The experts also met the United Nations country team, the donor community and civil society organizations. They visited the communities of Ralmat Camp, Wapda Building, and Rupnagar in Mirpur and Korail and Kamnrangir in Dhaka. The independent expert on extreme poverty visited the Kutupalong refugee camp in Cox’s Bazaar. The independent expert on water and sanitation visited Moradnagar and Comilla. They were moved by the personal testimonies that illustrated the challenges that extreme poverty and lack of access to safe drinking water and sanitation pose for the enjoyment of human rights, and they thank those who shared their experiences and provided information. 5. Poverty, sanitation and water are integrally linked; not only is lack of access to safe drinking water and sanitation most acute for those living in extreme poverty, but their opportunities to escape poverty will always be limited so long as they have no access to sanitation and water. Furthermore, when people living in extreme poverty do have access to water, they normally pay exorbitant prices to the detriment of obtaining other basic needs, because their access is not officially guaranteed and water is purchased from vendors. The Government of Bangladesh has recognized the critical connection between poverty reduction, human rights and access to sanitation and safe drinking water. 6. The National Strategy for Accelerated Poverty Reduction II lays out a road map for the development of Bangladesh. In this plan, ensuring social protection for the vulnerable is a strategic objective, and guaranteeing human rights and ensuring better delivery of public services, including drinking water and sanitation, are outlined as supporting strategies for achieving pro-poor growth. 7. The experts thank the Government of Bangladesh for its invitation and the support for their mission. They also express their gratitude to the United Nations country team, and in particular, the office of the Resident Coordinator, which assisted with preparations for the visit. They are also grateful to the civil society organizations and individuals who contributed to the mission. GE.10-15451 3