Zagreb, (IKA) – On the occasion of World Water Day, March 22, the Franciscan Institute for the Culture of Peace, the Franciscan Lay Order, the Justitia et Pax Commission of the Croatian Conference of Bishops, Croatian Caritas, the Center for the Promotion of the Social Doctrine of the Church of the Croatian Conference of Bishops and other participants at the working meeting held on March 21 in Zagreb sent an appeal to political and state institutions and the entire Croatian public regarding the importance of preserving water and the ethical management of water resources in Croatia, because water is a general national good, and its distribution is an indication of the social justice in each society.

Expressing concern due to the negative experiences in the privatization process in Croatia up to the present, the appeal cautions that Croatia, burdened by foreign debt and pressure from international institutions, could adopt ill-advised legal solutions in connection with the privatization of the water supply system.

The right to water is inseparable from the right to life. Water is a world strategic economic resource but first of all it is a human right. Since it is a general good, the price of water for basic needs must not serve for the creation of profits and the supply of water must not be conditional upon the buying power of individuals, according to the appeal.

Since Croatia is facing accession negotiations with the European Union on waters, the appeal urges respect for the principles of caution and proactive transparent management of water resources.

“Aware of the importance of informing the public on all the aspects of this matter, as well as responsibility before God for all creation, including water – we also want to assume responsibility for the protection of the living gift of water,” concludes the appeal.