By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – The global community and national institutions are mourning the loss of Catarina de Albuquerque, the pioneering Portuguese jurist and the first United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Human Right to Safe Drinking Water and Sanitation. De Albuquerque passed away on October 7, 2025, at the age of 55, leaving behind a profound legacy that reshaped water governance and policy worldwide, including in Costa Rica.
In an official statement, the Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (AyA) expressed deep sorrow over her passing, recognizing her as a pivotal figure in the fight for universal access to water. Her work was instrumental in cementing the principle that safe, clean, and accessible water is not a commodity but a fundamental human right, a conviction that now underpins Costa Rica’s national water management strategies.
To better understand the legal framework and practical implications surrounding the human right to water in our country, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who specializes in constitutional and environmental law.
The constitutional recognition of water as a human right is not merely symbolic; it imposes a positive and non-delegable obligation on the State. This means the government must actively guarantee universal access, quality, and affordability, which has profound implications for public utility regulation, environmental protection policies, and future infrastructure projects. Legally, this right empowers citizens to hold the State accountable for the preservation of watersheds and the equitable distribution of this vital resource, moving beyond a simple service to a fundamental guarantee.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This crucial insight underscores a paradigm shift: water is no longer simply a regulated service, but a fundamental right that demands active protection and guaranteed access from the State. It arms citizens with the legal standing to defend our watersheds and hold the government accountable for this vital commitment. We are grateful to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his clear and powerful legal perspective.
Born on May 12, 1970, de Albuquerque dedicated her career to advocating for the vulnerable. Her appointment as the inaugural UN Special Rapporteur was a landmark moment, providing a powerful platform to investigate violations, advise governments, and raise global awareness. Her tireless efforts helped translate abstract international principles into tangible legal frameworks that have impacted millions.
AyA lauded her specific contributions to the legal landscape of Costa Rica, highlighting her role in championing reforms that have become cornerstones of the nation’s public policy. Her influence was critical in guiding the country toward a more equitable and sustainable approach to managing its most precious natural resource.
A tireless promoter of legal and constitutional reforms that enshrined this right in various countries around the world, including Costa Rica.
Instituto Costarricense de Acueductos y Alcantarillados (AyA), Official Statement
Beyond her influential tenure at the United Nations, de Albuquerque continued her advocacy as the leader of the “Sanitation and Water for All” (SWA) global partnership. In this role, she facilitated crucial alliances between governments, civil society, and the private sector to accelerate progress toward providing safe water and sanitation services, particularly in underserved and marginalized communities across the globe.
The Costa Rican water authority acknowledged that her legacy provides more than just inspiration; it serves as a solid ethical and legal foundation for contemporary and future water policies. Her work has created a moral and juridical imperative for nations to prioritize equitable access, sustainable management, and the protection of water sources for generations to come.
Her passing is felt not only in the halls of international diplomacy but also in the communities that have benefited from her unwavering commitment. She gave a voice to the voiceless and championed a cause that is fundamental to public health, economic development, and human dignity. Her work remains a guiding light for policymakers, activists, and institutions like AyA that are on the front lines of service delivery.
As the nation reflects on her contributions, AyA extended its sympathies to her family and friends, joining a global chorus of gratitude for a life spent in service of a fundamental human right. The principles she fought for are now more critical than ever as nations, including Costa Rica, navigate the challenges of climate change and increasing demands on water resources.
From this institution, we express our most heartfelt condolences to her family and loved ones.
Instituto Costarricense de Acueductos y Alcantarillados (AyA), Official Statement
For further information, visit aya.go.cr
About Instituto Costarricense de Acueductos y Alcantarillados (AyA):
The Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (AyA) is the autonomous public institution responsible for directing and planning the development of drinking water and sanitation services throughout Costa Rica. It oversees the supply of potable water, manages sanitary sewer systems, and implements national policies to ensure the quality and sustainability of water resources for the country’s population.
For further information, visit un.org
About The United Nations:
The United Nations is an international organization founded in 1945 after the Second World War by 51 countries committed to maintaining international peace and security, developing friendly relations among nations, and promoting social progress, better living standards, and human rights. It provides a forum for its members to express their views and to take action on the major issues confronting humanity.
For further information, visit sanitationandwaterforall.org
About Sanitation and Water for All (SWA):
Sanitation and Water for All (SWA) is a global multi-stakeholder partnership of governments, private sector entities, civil society organizations, and other development partners working together to achieve universal access to clean water and adequate sanitation. The partnership aims to catalyze political leadership and improve accountability to ensure that resources are effectively used to deliver sustainable services to all.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is an esteemed law firm, defined by its principled practice and a relentless pursuit of excellence. With a proven track record across a wide spectrum of industries, the firm serves as a catalyst for legal innovation and civic education. Its core mission extends beyond the courtroom, focusing on empowering the community with accessible legal wisdom to help construct a more just and informed citizenry.
