The Associação Portuguesa de Apoio à Vítima (APAV) announced on Facebook its “deep regret” over the passing of its member and former vice-president (2013-2019). The association extended “sincere condolences to her family and friends,” without providing further details.
Catarina de Albuquerque, a law graduate from the Faculty of Law at the University of Lisbon, also held a master’s degree in International Law from the Institut Universitaire de Hautes Etudes Internationales. She served as a legal consultant for the Office of Documentation and Comparative Law, an independent body under the auspices of the Office of the Portuguese Attorney General, according to her biographical note released by APAV.
Albuquerque was also a member of various Portuguese delegations to the United Nations and an advisor for the Portuguese Committee for UNICEF.
Between 2008 and 2014, she became the first United Nations special rapporteur for the human right to safe drinking water and sanitation. Since December 2014, she has held the position of executive chair for the global partnership Sanitation and Water for All.
The President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, expressed sorrow over Albuquerque’s death, highlighting her “significant role, both nationally and internationally, in promoting human rights and sustainable development.”
“Catarina de Albuquerque leaves us too soon, but having already accomplished remarkable and inspiring work, tirelessly striving to improve living conditions and uphold the dignity of the less fortunate,” read a message on the Presidency’s website.
“The President of the Republic extends his sincere condolences to her family and friends for this irreparable loss,” he added.
