International Law and the Threat of Water Wars
Publisher: George Washington Journal of Energy and Environmental Law
Author(s): Waseem A. Qureshi
Date: 2021
Topics: Conflict Causes, Cooperation, Governance, Renewable Resources
The growing scarcity of freshwater can create competition among riparian states over access to transboundary freshwater resources. This competition paves the way for armed conflicts if states use force to gain control of a transboundary watercourse in an attempt to enhance their water security. To prevent this, international law provides valuable guidance. In particular, the implementation and pursuance of the recommendations and rules provided by certain international law conventions, such as the Berlin Rules on Water Resources 2004, the United Nations Watercourses Convention 1997, Agenda 21 of 1992, and the UNECE Convention 1992, can mitigate the threat of water wars.