Chile’s water crisis is inextricably tied to Chile’s legal framework of water rights—emplaced under undemocratic rule—which is truly unique in the world in the sheer scale of privatization. This system has not been able to cope with increasing stress on Chile’s hydrology, largely to the detriment of communities and smallholders. Recent high-profile incidents pushed water rights to the forefront of the public consciousness, and the resulting demands for reform of water rights dovetail with the principles behind the current social mobilization.
Read MoreMany people in Chile complain about a general lack of legal and constitutional literacy among the general population. That may or may not be true; however, I will say that Chile is the only country I’ve seen where paper copies of laws are regularly found being sold on the street. I picked up my copy of the Código de Aguas (also available for free here) at a small news kiosk a block away from my apartment.
Historical background to the 2019 Chilean protests, part 7: the water crisis
in chile
