World Toilet Day observed on Nov 19

November 19, 2021

World Toilet Day is observed on November 19, every year to raise awareness on importance of toilets and sanitation in our daily lives.

Significance of the day

The day is significant as one cannot imagine life without permanent toilets. Despite this fact, around 3.6 billion people across the world don’t have access to a proper toilet. Compromised sanitation can affect communities by contaminating food & water and by spreading serious diseases that take lives.

History of the day

World Toilet Day initiative was started by Jack Sim from Singapore. He founded the World Toilet organisation NGO in 2001. His idea was to use day to raise awareness regarding the importance of sanitation and hygiene. The World Toilet Day initiative was backed by “Sustainable Sanitation Alliance (SuSanA)”. The UN had recognised “Human Right to Water & Sanitation (HRWS)” as fundamental human right, in the year 2010.

UNGA resolution

United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) passed a resolution in its 67^th session in 2013 to designate November 19 as world toilet day. UNGA recognised unsatisfactory progress made towards providing basic sanitary service access to all. It also recognised how lack of basic sanitary service negatively impacted the health and economic & social situation of the people. The resolution was adopted by 122 member states.

Aim of the day

World Toilet Day is observed with the aim of creating and spreading awareness on sanitary practices which promote health, hygiene & safety of women. The day also discourages people from open defecation practises.