The status of the UN Watercourses Convention: does it still hold water?. Issue 2 (3rd March 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Eckstein, Gabriel
• Is Part Of: International journal of water resources development. Volume 36:Issue 2/3(2020)
• Page Start: 429
• Page End: 461
• Publication Date: 2020-03-03
• Subjects: Watercourses Convention -- international water law -- transboundary waters -- shared waters -- international river basin; Water resources development -- Periodicals; Water-supply, Agricultural -- Periodicals; 333.91005
• DOI: 10.1080/07900627.2019.1690979
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0790-0627

Abstract

ABSTRACT: When the UN General Assembly 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 five 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's International Law Committee, Sixth Committee and General Assembly, positions on the convention's text are explored to uncover possible reasons for its diminishing appeal. Other externalities are also considered in terms of the convention's viability.