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Transboundary waters, those shared by two or more countries, must be managed as living ecosystems, not simply as economic resources, said the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the human rights to drinking water and sanitation, Pedro Arrojo-Agudo, during the Human Rights Council.
On the eve of World Water Day, March 22, the expert issued the following statement:
“In the context of World Water Day 2024, which the United Nations combines under the theme “harnessing water for peace”, I urge the adoption of a human rights approach to the management of transboundary waters. Such an approach can help prevent conflict and build lasting peace.
Throughout history, rivers have united people regardless of their cultures, languages and religions. Today, 153 countries share aquatic ecosystems composed of almost 300 river basins and around 600 transboundary aquifers, comprising 60% of the planet’s accessible freshwater.
Water seen solely as an economic resource can generate conflicts due to hydraulic structures, overexploitation, pollution, extractive activities, land grabbing and plundering of indigenous territories. These can lead to armed conflicts, especially in transboundary basins. Climate change exacerbates this risk.
We need to manage rivers as living ecosystems, sharing the responsibility of managing them sustainably for the benefit of all to maintain an adequate standard of living, in accordance with the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.
The urgency of moving from a resource-based to an ecosystem-based approach is greater than ever due to the risks of climate change-induced droughts, floods and mass migrations destabilizing regions.
Natural disasters such as floods and droughts do not respect borders in transboundary basins and aquifers. Therefore, we must move from national sovereignty over water to the shared responsibility of managing these ecosystems. In areas with transboundary basins and aquifers, governments are responsible for ensuring the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation for people living in these regions.
To manage resources sustainably, we must negotiate agreements, prioritize human rights and include everyone. The participation of women is fundamental in their commitment and leadership in providing water to their families and communities. States must comply with UN Security Council Resolution 1325, which addresses the full and equal participation of women in conflict resolution.
The United Nations Water Convention provides guidelines for creating transboundary agreements. Its implementation promotes the sustainable management of rivers and aquifers, minimizes the risks of droughts and floods and prioritizes the basic needs of dependent populations. Many African countries have supported it. I encourage other regions to follow it.
Ensuring access to water and sanitation can prevent conflict and promote peace, especially in post-conflict situations, by encouraging dialogue and practical solutions.
Unfortunately, water is used as a weapon of war against civilians in conflicts, particularly in the Gaza Strip. The Palestinian population faces a blockade of drinking water, food and medicine, which constitutes a crime against humanity.
On World Water Day, let us use water to promote peace and cooperation among nations through responsible management of transboundary basins and aquifers. “Water should be a symbol of peace.”