The exhibition, “Les toilettes, une question de dignité” (Sanitation is Dignity) was shown in the very heart of Paris, on the famous square René Cassin.

The event was launched on 13 May through a press conference, where Coalition Eau presented the issue of access to sanitation and the need to raise awareness, and called upon mayors to get involved. The Deputy Mayor of Paris, responsible for water, sanitation and channels, explained what a city can do locally and abroad to strengthen access to sanitation. And patron of the press conference was the famous French writer Erik Orsenna.

From the 14th to the 16th of May our French partner Coalition Eau presented 30 squatting fugures to the public. The attracted passers-by were informed about the sanitation crisis and were asked to sign a postcard to the Mayor asking him to get actively involved in access to toilets. Over 700 postcards where signed and about 2’500 visitors visited the exhibition over the three days. Apparently people were absolutely not embarrassed to learn more about the issue of toilets and sanitation. Many visitors said that they did not have a clue about the impacts of sanitation and that they felt that the exhibition played an important educative role

Coalition Eau is a network of 25 French NGOs who are actively involved in sanitation and water. The exhibition was realised in cooperation with WWF France, Eau Vive, Ingénieurs Sans Frontières and Hydraulique Sans Frontières (H²SF).

Download press kit of Coalition Eau