DETROIT, MI (AP)-- United Nations human rights experts have called on Detroit officials to restore water to those unable to pay, including those with disabilities or chronic illnesses.
Two experts visiting Detroit to observe the effect of water service shutoffs said Monday that shutoffs affect the poorest and most vulnerable. They say it discriminates against the majority black population.
Special rapporteur on the right to adequate housing Leilani Farha and special rapporteur on the human right to water and sanitation Catarina de Albuquerque say water should be affordable, not free.
The city says about 27,000 shutoffs were made between January 1 and September 30.
Most shutoffs were halted for several weeks during the summer to give customers a chance to enter payment plans.
Groups opposing the shutoffs appealed to the U.N. for support.
