14. Kendlbacher, J. On the Brink of Disaster: The Beit Lahia Treatment Plant and Human Rights. Gaza: Al Mizan Center for Human Rights, 2003: 37pp.

This report intends to highlight the human rights implications of the problem and the threat to the entire North Area of Gaza.  It introduces the problem of freshwater sources in the Gaza Strip and gives an overview of existing wastewater treatment facilities and the related problems.  It outlines the history of the Beit Lahia treatment plant in North Gaza and the situation for the surrounding areas, specifically the Bedouin village of Um-An Nasir.  This section is followed by a description of the solutions developed by the Palestinian Authority (PA) and the obstacles the PA has faced in the implementation. The second part of the report goes into the details of the various human rights implications including health problems, economic difficulties and threats to personal security.  It then provides the legal background relevant to this case and concludes with recommendations for the international community and the Palestinian Authority.