UN water convention

• Legally binding agreements


  Some countries think it reduces sovereign rights
• UN Watercourses Convention


  • Adopted in 1992, into force in 1996
  • To protect transboundary water courses and international lakes
  • To defend rights of upstream water courses
• The UN Watercourses Convention has not been ratified by enough countries
• The UN Watercourses Convention aims to sustainably manage water
• There is a lack of understanding and awareness about the UN Watercourses Convention
• The principle of the UN Watercourses Convention is good but lack of awareness and adoption means it is not as effective in practice
• UN Watercourses Convention


  • Attempts to combat the impacts of climate change on transboundary water
  • Attempts to increase transboundary water security through cooperation
• The UN Watercourses Convention has no mechanism to enforce its rules
• The UN Watercourses Convention is a global treaty which deals with highly sensitive issues over transboundary water basins and their aquifers
• The UN Watercourses Convention encourages countries to undertake sustainable water management
• Some governments, such as China, Brazil and Belgium, reject membership of the UN Watercourses Convention and see it as an affront to sovereignty
• The UN Watercourses Convention has helped to improve water security and relations between neighbouring countries, such as in the Senegal basin
• 430 agreements have been formed on the basis of the legal framework of the UN Watercourses Convention
• The rules of the UN Watercourses Convention have not taken effect in the Indus basin due to complex, unresolved conflicts
• 2 billion people currently rely on transboundary water supply, which is 60% of the world's population
• The UN Watercourses Convention holds regular meetings to discuss issues around the world
• Principle of equitable use and share


  Framework by which countries can bring issues to an international body
• The UN Watercourses Convention has a programme of work that is adopted and renewed every 3 years
• The UN Watercourses Convention is frequently consulted by members over pollution and sustainable water supply, and shares information, experiences and practices to increase sustainability and lessen pollution
• UN Watercourses Convention


  Adopted in 1992, entered into force in 1996. Protects transboundary water courses and international lakes. Defends rights of upstream water courses.
• Transboundary water courses


  Refers to rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water that cross national borders.
• Upstream water courses


  Refers to the rights of countries that share a watercourse to use and manage the water in a fair and equitable manner.
• Watercourse cooperation and dispute resolution


  The convention provides a framework for cooperation and dispute resolution between countries that share watercourses.
• Water quality and quantity protection

  The convention aims to protect the water quality and quantity, prevent pollution, and ensure sustainable use of water.