70 years ago this very day, the United Nations adopted the Declaration of Human Rights. It assumes that all people have the same fundamental rights - regardless of their nationality, their ethnic group or their religion. Although the Human Rights are recognised by most states in principle, compliance with the declaration is still not a matter of course in many countries. This often affects minorities, such as the Maasai in East Africa. Officially, they have the same rights as the rest of the population, but are often victims of political despotism, like it is the case with Maasai land rights. We have already reported about the withdrawal of Maasai land by local politicians.

Another central issue of the work of Veterinarians without Borders is the right to access to clean drinking water. It is interesting that this right has only been recognised relatively late as a Human Right, namely in 2010, although supply with drinking water is essential for other fundamental rights.