Water Protection in Armed Conflict and the U.N. Watercourses Convention

December 2025
Citation:
55
ELR 10617
Issue
6
Author
Meng Wang

The U.N. Watercourses Convention is a crucial agreement governing non-navigational use of international watercourses, at a time when war continues to pose challenges to water and aquatic ecosystems. This Article examines Article 29 of the Convention, which specifically addresses protection of international watercourses and related installations during armed conflict. It traces the evolution of Article 29 and reveals that its reminder function and non-prejudicial nature vis-à-vis existing laws facilitated its adoption despite initial controversy. It then investigates the strengths and weaknesses of Article 29 and examines its role within the broader framework of international law. The Article further explores how other treaties might draw inspiration from this provision to better address environmental issues arising during armed conflict.

Meng Wang is a Ph.D. candidate in the International Law Department at Maastricht University and holds an LL.M. in Public International Law from Utrecht University.