Original article: ONU interviene por denuncias contra Aguas San Isidro y comunidades destacan precedente histórico para el derecho humano al agua en Chile Los Molles, La Ligua, Valparaíso Region. - An important international precedent in human rights and access to water has emerged following an official communication issued by four UN Special Procedures mechanisms concerning Aguas San Isidro S. A.
(ESSSI). This action addresses alleged violations of the human right to safe drinking water, sanitation, and a healthy environment across several regions of Chile. The international communication was issued by the Special Rapporteur on the human right to drinking water and sanitation, the Working Group on Business and Human Rights, the Special Rapporteur on the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, and the Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous Peoples.
The document highlights serious issues related to pollution, water quality deficiencies, prolonged service interruptions, environmental impacts, and health risks in the Coquimbo, Valparaíso, Metropolitan, La Araucanía, and Los Lagos regions. In the case of Los Molles, La Ligua, the United Nations documented complaints regarding poor water quality, service interruptions, discharges into the local wetland, and health risks to the population. Moreover, it noted that over 50% of homes lack sewage systems and that there have been reports of penalties imposed due to service quality and continuity shortcomings.
The document also references environmental complaints about fish mortality, discharges into the Los Molles wetland, and potential impacts on the coastal ecosystem associated with the mouth of the Quilimarí River. Environmental and human rights advocate Bárbara Astudillo Delgado, who is involved in international monitoring and reporting on human access to water, stated that this action represents «a historic precedent for Chile. » «What is happening with the Aguas San Isidro case shows that the complaints raised by communities over the years were well-founded.
The simultaneous intervention of four UN mechanisms highlights the seriousness of the reported impacts and the urgent need to ensure the human right to water and a healthy environment,» noted Bárbara Astudillo. She further remarked, «This process also reaffirms the importance of the Escazú Agreement and the protection of those defending their territories. We are not just talking about sanitary infrastructure; we are discussing health, dignity, biodiversity, and human rights.
» Company Must Provide Information The communication from the United Nations also requests that the company provide information on the measures taken to ensure safe water and proper sanitation; implement due diligence in human rights; prevent negative environmental impacts; and ensure effective mechanisms for participation and remediation for the affected communities. Additionally, international mechanisms urged the adoption of «all necessary measures to protect the rights and freedoms of the individuals mentioned» and to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future. The affected organizations and communities emphasized that this international intervention strengthens demands for oversight, transparency, and effective redress in areas that have long reported violations related to water access and environmental pollution.
This case will later be included in public reports from the United Nations Human Rights Council, becoming a significant reference for the international discussion on businesses, human rights, and environmental justice.