The US does not seem to understand that water is a human right. They believe in socioeconomic rights such as political rights and civil rights, but not in human rights. In past occurrences the US has not signed any international agreements that promote the distribution of water and clean water programs. Hitchcock also does not believe in the need for dams. He has seen the negative effects of dams throughout the world.
Dams can displace populations and are often destructive to the environment they are in.
Hitchcock found that dams do have some positive effects, but when the negatives include disease, famine and general destructiveness of the areas around them, then they are not necessary. While listening to Robert Hitchcock's briefing it was easy to see that he was well versed and well-educated in his area of study. Hitchcock stated that there is a need for fair distribution of water and a need for distribution of clean water. He believes in the regulation of water, but only if it supports the idea that water is a human right. But again, the only way that regulation works is if it is enforced, and it is quite obvious now that the laws that are in place are not being enforced.