The Status of the UN Watercourses Convention: Does it Still Hold Water?

Abstract

When the UNGA adopted the Watercourses Convention in 1997, it was heralded as a major milestone in the evolution of international water law. Yet, more than 20 years later and 5 years since it came into force, enthusiasm for the instrument appears to have waned. Based on patterns in the UNGA vote and assorted ratifications, and statements of various delegates to the UN International Law Committee, Sixth Committee, and General Assembly, positions on the Convention’s text are explored to uncover possible reasons for the diminishing appeal. Other externalities are also considered in terms of the Convention’s viability.

Keywords: Watercourses Convention, international water law, transboundary waters, shared waters, international river basin