[JURIST] Three UN human rights experts on Tuesday urged [press release] action to address the water crisis in Flint, Michigan, saying it iis “[n]ot just about water, but human rights.” The experts on extreme poverty, housing, and water and sanitation touched on how the water crisis was the result of “failing to recognize that water is a human right, from failing to ensure that essential services are provided in a non-discriminatory manner, and from treating those who live in poverty in ways that exacerbate their plight.” US President Barack Obama is expected to visit Flint on May 4, and the experts called this an opportunity for him to address the crisis and “show global leadership.” They also discussed issues of race and poverty, noting how if the population had been “well-off or overwhelmingly white” the water crisis might have been handled in a more responsible manner as there is a strong connection between clean water supply and poverty.

Public officials have come under fire [Atlantic report] for their response to the crisis, as it took 20 months after the initial switch in water supply for an emergency to be declared by the state. Last month David Leyton, a prosecutor in Genesee County, Michigan, announced that a Michigan judge will allow criminal charges [JURIST report] against three people involved in the water crisis in Flint, including the man who supervised the treatment plan as well as two state environmental officials. Also last month the city of Flint filed an intent to sue letter [JURIST report] with the state, claiming that the city lacks funds to defend itself against lawsuits filed during the water crisis [CNN timeline]. In March a Michigan firm filed a class action lawsuit [JURIST report] on behalf of the children of Flint. Earlier in March seven families living in Flint filed a class action lawsuit [complaint, PDF] against Michigan Governor Rick Snyder alleging gross negligence [JURIST report] in connection to the lead-contaminated water. Also in March a group of UN human rights experts called on [JURIST report] the US to increase its efforts to address the issue of lead-contaminated water in Flint. In January the Natural Resources Defense Council filed a lawsuit [JURIST report] in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, seeking the replacement of lead water pipes in the city of Flint. Also in January Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette appointed a former prosecutor [JURIST report] to act as Special Counsel in his investigation into the water contamination crisis in the city of Flint, and a retired Detroit FBI chief will also participate in the investigation.