The EU Monday voiced concern about the problem of water scarcity which is increasing due to climate change and likely to affect more people in the future due to demographic developments.
"Water shortages, poor water quality, drought or floods are factors contributing to violent conflict which in turn deprive many people from access to water," said EU High Representative Federica Mogherini in a statement to mark World Water Day.
The EU strongly encourages transboundary cooperation on water management to promote sustainable development as well as stability, peace and security, she noted.
The EU statement recalled that safe drinking water and sanitation are crucial for a healthy and dignified life.
"And yet, over 750 million people worldwide are still without access to safe drinking water. It is a human tragedy and totally unacceptable that over 4,000 children under five die every day from diseases associated with the lack of access to clean drinking water," lamented the statement.
Mogherini welcomed the opening of the Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes to all UN Members States and the entry into force, in August 2014, of the United Nations Watercourses Convention.
The EU also looks forward to contributing actively to the success of the World Water Forum in April this year, she added.