Detroit Water Shutoffs Violate Human Rights
UN experts say water shut-offs in Detroit homes due to overdue bills violate international human rights.
A right to water and sanitation expert says that disconnections due to non-payment are only permissible if it can be shown that the resident is able to pay but is not paying.
The statement follows a letter sent this week to the UN office of the high commissioner for human rights by welfare rights groups complaining about the mass shutoffs.
A water department spokeswoman says about $90 million is owed by 90,000 active customers who are behind at least two months.
