International Water Law

This introductory module highlights the importance of international regulation in achieving harmonious and peaceful management of transboundary water resources. It outlines issues and challenges related to water resource management and protection, factors that can lead to conflict, and how water can be an instrument of peace and cooperation among States.

This module outlines major milestones in the evolution of international freshwater regulation. It presents the UN Convention on the Law of the Non-Navigational Uses of International Watercourses and the UNECE Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Water and International Lakes. It also addresses groundwater regulation and examines the 2008 Draft articles on the Law of Transboundary Aquifers.

This module presents the general principles governing water sharing and examines the rules associated with planned measures on transboundary waters. It covers the principle of equitable and reasonable use, the obligation to not cause significant harm, and the principle of cooperation. It also examines the rules of notification, consultation, and negotiation in the case of planned measures.

This module highlights how international environmental law, human rights, and climate change law have contributed to the protection of transboundary freshwaters. It presents main international environmental conventions and principles applying to shared water resources management. It also examines new legal instruments like water charters that incorporate these aspects of international freshwater law.

This module presents diplomatic and judicial mechanisms for resolving water-related disputes. It addresses the role of basin organizations and commissions in conflict prevention and resolution. It also examines decisions of international tribunals and courts about shared water resources and assesses their contribution to the development of international freshwater law.