Knowledge Base on International and National Water Laws
International Water Law
National Water Law of Central Asian Countries
Documents of National and International Water Law
ICWC’s Activities in the Field of Water Law

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Section 3: Documents of National and International Water Law


  General and regional instruments






Convention on the Law of the Non-Navigational Uses of International Watercourses (New York, 1997)

Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes (Helsinki, 1992)

Amendment to the Convention Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes (2003)

Protocol on Water and Health to the 1992 Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes (London, 1999)

Convention on the Transboundary Effects of Industrial Accidents (Helsinki, 1992)

Protocol on Strategic Environmental Assessment to the Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context (Kiev, 2003)

Protocol on Civil Liability and Compensation for Damage Caused by the Transboundary Effects of Industrial Accidents on Transboundary Waters to the 1992 Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes and to the 1992 Convention on the Transboundary Effects of Industrial Accidents (Kiev, 2003)

Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-Making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters (Aarhus, 1998)

Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context (Espoo, 1991)

The Helsinki Rules on the Uses of Waters of International Rivers (Helsinki, 1966)

Berlin Rules on Water Resources (Berlin, 2004)

Convention and Statute on the Regime of Navigable Waterways of International Concern (Barcelona, 1921)

Convention relating to the Development of Hydraulic Power affecting more than one State and Protocol of Signature (Geneva, 1923)

Dublin Statement On Water And Sustainable Development (1992)

The Seoul Rules on International Groundwaters (1986)

Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties (1969)

Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat (Ramsar, 1971)

Draft model provisions on transboundary groundwaters (UNECE, 2012)



Protocol on Shared Watercourse Systems, Southern African Development Community (1995)

Revised Protocol on Shared Watercourses in the Southern African Development Community (2000)

African Convention on the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (2003)

Agreement between the Governments of the Republic of Angola, the Republic of Botswana, and the Republic of Namibia on the establishment of a permanent Okavango River Basin Water Commission (OKACOM) (1994)

Agreement between the Government of the Republic of South Africa and the Government of Portugal in regard to the first phase of development of the water resources of the Kunene River Basin (1969)

Convention creating Organization for the development of the Senegal River (1972)

Agreement between the Government of the Republic of South Africa, the Government of the Kingdom of Swaziland and the Government of the People's Republic of Mozambique relative to the establishment of a Tripartite Permanent Technical Committee (1983)

Tripartite Interim Agreement between the Republic of Mozambique and the Republic of South Africa and the Kingdom of Swaziland for Co-Operation on the Protection and Sustainable Utilisation of the Water Resources of the Incomati and Maputo Watercourses (2002)

Act regarding navigation and economic co-operation between the states of the Niger basin (1963)

Agreement concerning the River Niger commission and the navigation and transport on the River Niger (1964)

Convention Relating to the Development of the Chad Basin (1964)

Multilateral Agreement on the Control of Pollution of Water Resources in the Southern African Region (1985)

The Convention on the Sustainable Management of Lake Tanganyika (2003)

Agreement between the United Arab Republic and the Republic of Sudan for the full utilization of the Nile waters (1959)

Agreement on the Nile River Basin Cooperative Framework (2000)

Protocol for the Sustainable Development of Lake Victoria Basin (2003)

Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Nambia and the Government of the Republic of South Africa on the establishment of a permanent water commission (1992)

Treaty on development and utilisation of the water resources of the Komati River Basin between the Kingdom of Swaziland and the Government of the Republic of South Africa (1992)

Treaty on the Establishment and Functioning of the Joint Water Commission between the Government of the Kingdom of Swaziland and the Government of the Republic of South Africa (1992)

Agreement between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Republic of Niger concerning the equitable sharing in the development, conservation and use of their common water resources (1990)

Memorandum of Understanding for the establishment of a Consultation Mechanism for the Integrated Management of the Water Resources of the Iullemeden, Taoudeni/Tanezrouft Aquifer Systems (ITAS) (Algeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria) (2014)

Agreement on the action plan for the environmentally sound management of the Common Zambezi River System (1987)

Agreement between the Republic of Zimbabwe and the Republic of Zambia concerning the utilization of the Zambezi river (1987)

Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Angola and the Government of the Republic of Namibia on the Establishment of Cuvelai Water Commission (CUVECOM) (2014)



North America

Treaty between the United States of America and Mexico relating to the utilization of the Waters of the Colorado and Tijuana Rivers and of the Rio Grande (1944)

Treaty to Resolve Pending Boundary Differences and Maintain the Rio Grande and Colorado River as the International Boundary Between United States of America and Mexico (1970)

Memorandum of understanding for scientific and technical cooperation between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Republic of Italy in the field of water resources (1968)

Convention between the United States of America and Mexico: Touching the International Boundary Line Where it Follows the Bed of the Rio Colorado (1884)

Convention between the United States and Mexico: Water Boundary (1889)

Convention between the United States and Mexico: Equitable Distribution of the Waters of the Rio Grande (1906)

Convention between the United States of America and Mexico: Rectification of the Rio Grande (1933)

Treaty relating to cooperative development of the water resources of the Columbia River Basin (1961)

Treaty Between the United States of America and Canada Relating to the Uses of the Waters of the Niagara River (1950)

Agreement between Canada and the United States of America on Great Lakes quality (1978)

Supplementary Agreement Amending the Agreement Between The US and Canada on Great Lakes Water Quality (1983)

Protocol amending the 1978 Agreement Between The United States of America and Canada on Great Lakes Water Quality, as amended on October 16, 1983 (1983)

Agreement Between the United States of America and Canada to Regulate the Level of Lake of the Wood (1925)

Treaty Between the United States and Great Britain Relating to Boundary Waters, and Questions Arising Between the United States and Canada (1909)

Treaty to Resolve Pending Boundary Differences and Maintain the Rio Grande and Colorado River as the International Boundary between the United States of American and Mexico (1970)

Treaty between Canada and the United States of America relating to the Skagit River and Ross Lake, and the Seven Mile Reservoir on the Pend d'Oreille River (1984)

Colorado River Storage and Interstate Release Agreement among the United States of America, acting through the Secretary of the Interior; the Arizona Water Banking Authority; the Southern Nevada Water Authority; and the Colorado River Commission of Nevada (2002)

Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Sustainable Water Resources Agreement (2005)

Convention on Great Lakes Fisheries Between the United States of America and Canada (1954)

Agreement between the Government of Canada and the Government of the United States of America for water supply and flood control in the Souris river basin (1989)

Boundary Waters: Red River Flood Control - Agreement between the United States of America and Canada effected by exchange of notes (1988)

Boundary Waters - Agreement effected by exchange of notes (1987)

Boundary Waters: San Diego, California/Tijuana, Baja California - Minute No. 283 of the International Boundary and Water Commission signed by the United States of America and Mexico (1990)

Minute No. 289 of the International Boundary and Water Commission United States and Mexico entitled Observation on the quality of the waters along the United States and Mexico Border (1992)

Reservoir Watershed Management Agreement (2005)

South America

Treaty for Amazonian Co-operation (1978)

Agreement on Parana River Projects (1979)

Treaty of Yacyreta (1973)

Treaty Between the Federative Republic of Brazil and the Republic of Paraguay Concerning the Hydroelectric Utilization of the Water Resources of the Parana River Owned in Condominium by the Two Countries, From and Including the Salto Grande de Sete Quedas or Salto Del Guaira, to the Mouth of the Iguassu River (1973)

Agreement Between the Argentine Republic and the Republic of Paraguay Concerning a Study of the Utilization of the Water Power of the Apipe Falls (1958)

Treaty of the River Plate Basin (1969)

Treaty between Uruguay and Argentina concerning the Rio de la Plata and the Corresponding Maritime Boundary (1973)

Statute of the River Uruguay (1975)

Agreement Concerning the Utilization of the Rapids of the Uruguay River in the Salto Grande Area (1946)

Agreement on the Guarani Aquifer (2010)

Agreement between the Republic of Syria and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan concerning the utilization of the Yarmuk waters (1987)



Indus Water Treaty (1960)

Agreement on the Cooperation for the Sustainable Development of the Mekong River Basin (1995)

Mekong Agreement and Procedural Rules (1995)

Agreement Between The Goverment of The Socialist Republic of Viet Nam and The Royal Government of Cambodia on Waterway Transportation (1998)

Frontier Agreement between Afghanistan and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (1946)

Treaty between the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and the Royal Government of Afghanistan concerning the Regime of the Soviet-Afghan State Frontier (1958)

Protocol between the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and Afghanistan on the Joint Execution of Works for the Integrated Utilization of the Water Resources in the Frontier Section of the Amudarya (1958)

Agreement Between the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and the People's Republic of China on Joint Research Operations to Determine the Natural Resources of the Amur River Basin and the Prospects for Development of its Productive Potentialities and on Planning and Survey Operations to Prepare A Scheme for the Multi-purpose Exploitation of the Argun River and the Upper Amur River (1956)

Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Government of the People’s Republic of China on Cooperation in the Use and Protection of Transboundary Rivers (2001)

Agreement Between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of Mongolia on the Protection and Utilization of Transboundary Waters (1994)

Treaty Between the government of the Republic of India and the government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh on Sharing of the Ganga/Ganges Waters at Farakka (1996)

Treaty between the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and the Imperial Government of Iran concerning the regime of the Soviet-Iranian frontier and the procedure for the settlement of frontier disputes and incidents (1957)

Agreement between Iran and the Soviet Union for the joint utilisation of the frontier parts of the rivers Aras and Atrak for irrigation and power generation (1957)

Terms of reference of the Helmand River Delta commission and a interpretive statement relative thereto, agreed by Conferees of Afghanistan and Iran (1950)

The Afghan-Iranian Helmand-River Water Treaty (1973)

Water Annex to Model Israel-Palestinian Peace Agreement

Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Turkey and the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan on Cooperation in the Field of Environment (1995)

Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Turkey and the Government of Turkmenistan on Cooperation in the Field of Environment (1996)

Treaty concerning the state frontier and neighbourly relations between Iran and Iraq and protocol (1975)

Agreement between Iran and Iraq concerning the use of frontier watercourses, and protocol (1975)

Joint Minutes concerning the provisional division of the waters of the Euphrates River (1990)

Agreement between the Syria Arab Republic and the Lebanese Republic for the sharing the Great Southern River Basin Waters and the building of joint dam on it (2002)

Treaty of Friendship and Neighbourly Relations Between Iraq and Turkey and the Attached Protocol No.1 Relative to the Regulation of the Waters of the Tigris and Euphrates and of Their Tributaries (1946)

Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Turkey and the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic on establishment of a pumping station for withdrawal of water from Tigris River (2009)

Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Turkey and the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic in the field of efficient utilization of water resources and combating of drought (2009)

Agreement between the government of India and the government of Nepal on the Kosi project (1954)

Amended agreement between His Majesty's government of Nepal and the government of India concerning the Kosi Project (1966)

Agreement between His Majesty's government of Nepal and the government of India on the Gandak Irrigation and Power Project (1959)

Agreement between His Majesty's government of Nepal and the government of India on the Gandak Irrigation and Power Project (1959)

Treaty between His Majesty's government of Nepal and the government of India concerning the iIntegrated development of the Mahakali barrage including Sarada barrage, Tanakpur barrage and Pancheshwar Project (1996)



Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and the of the Council establishing a framework for Community Action in the Field of Water Policy (2000)

Directive 2006/118/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the protection of groundwater against pollution and deterioration (2006)

Regulation (EC) No 648/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council on detergents (2004)

Council Directive 80/778 Relating to the Quality of Water Intended for Human Consumption (1980)

Council Directive 80/68/EEC on the Protection of Groundwater Against Pollution Caused by Certain Dangerous Substances (1979)

Council Directive 78/659/EEC 0n the Quality of Fresh Waters Needing Protection or Improvement in Order to Support Fish Life (1978)

Council Directive 77/795/EEC concerning Establishing a Common Procedure for the Exchange of Information on the Quality of Surface Fresh Water in the Community (1976)

Council Directive 76/464/EEC on Pollution Caused by Certain Dangerous Substances Discharged into the Aquatic Environment of the Community (1976)

Council Directive 76/160/EEC concerning the Quality of Bathing Water (1975)

Council Directive 75/440/EEC concerning the Quality Required of Surface Water Intended for the Abstraction of Drinking Water in the Member States (1975)

Council Directive 73/405/EEC on the Approximation of the Law of the Member States Relating to Methods of Testing the Biodegradability of Anionic Surfactants (1973)

Council Directive 73/404/EEC on the Approximation of the Laws of Member States Relating to Detergents (1973)

Convention on the Protection of the Rhine (1998)

Convention between Germany and the Czech and Slovak Federal Republic and the European Economic Community on the International Commission for the Protection of the Elbe (1990)

Protocol to the Convention of 8 October 1990 between Germany and the Czech and Slovak Federal Republic and EEC on the International Commission for the Protection of the Elbe (1991)

Agreement on the Protection of the River Meuse (1994)

Convention on Cooperation for the Protection and Sustainable Use of the River Danube (1994)

Danube Declaration: Danube Basin: Shared Waters – Joint Responsibilities (2010)

Convention regarding the regime of navigation on the Danube (1948)

Agreement between the Federal Republic of Germany and the European Economic Community, on the one hand, and the Republic of Austria, on the other, on cooperation on management of water resources in the Danube Basin - Statute of the Standing Committee on Management of Water Resources (1990)

Convention Between the Government of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and the Government of the Romanian People’s Republic Concerning the Determination of the Value of Investments and Mutual Accounting in Connexion with the Construction of the Iron Gates Water Power and Navigation System on the River Danube (1963)

Agreement on the Protection of the River Scheldt (1994)

Agreement between the Government of the Russian Federation, the Government of the Republic of Belarus and the Government of the Republic of Latvia on cooperation in the field of use and protection of water resources in the Zapadnaya Dvina/Daugava River Basin (2003)

Framework Agreement on the Sava River basin (2002)

Protocol on Navigation Regime to the Framework Agreement on the Sava River basin

Protocol on Flood Protection to the Framework Agreement on the Sava River basin

Protocol on Prevention of Water Pollution caused by Navigation to the Framework Agreement on the Sava River basin

Protocol on Sediment Management to the Framework Agreement on the Sava River basin

Agreement between the Government of the Estonian Republic and the Government of the Russian Federation on cooperation in protection and sustainable use of transboundary waters (1997)

Agreement between the Peoples Republic of Bulgaria and the Republic of Turkey Concerning Co-operation in the Use of the Waters of Rivers Flowing Through the Territory of Both Countries (Maritsa/Marica, Tundzha, Veleka, Rezovska Rivers) (1968)

Agreement between the Government of the Polish People's Republic and the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics Concerning the Use of Water Resources in Frontier Waters (1965)

Agreement between the Government of the Czechoslovak Republic and the Government of the Polish People's Concerning the Use of the Water Resources in Frontier Waters (1958)

Treaty between the Hungarian People's Republic and the Republic of Austria Concerning the Regulation of Water Economy Questions in the Frontier Region (1956)

Agreement between Finland and Sweden Concerning Frontier Waters (1971)

Agreement between Finland and Sweden Concerning Transboundary Rivers (2010)

Treaty Between the Czech Republic Government and the Slovak Republic Government on Mutual Relations and Principles of Cooperation in Agriculture, Food Industry, Forestry, and Water Economy Under the Conditions of the Customs Union (1992)

Convention between Italy and Switzerland concerning the regulation of Lake Lugano (1955)

Memorandum of understanding for scientific and technical cooperation between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Republic of Italy in the field of water resources (1968)

Agreement between the Government of the Republic of South Africa and the Government of Portugal in regard to the first phase of development of the water resources of the Kunene River Basin (1969)

Agreement between the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Albania and the Government of the Republic of Macedonia for the protection and sustainable development of lake Ohrid and its watershed (2004)

Agreement on Cooperation for the Protection and Sustainable Use of the Waters of the Spanish-Portuguese Hydrographic Basins (1998)

Convention Between the Governments of the Hungarian People's Republic and the Czechoslovakian Socialist Republic, the Executive Council of the Yugoslav Socialist Federal Republic, the Governments of the Romanian Socialist Republic and of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics on Measures to Combat Pollution of the Tisza River and its Tributaries (1986)

Declaration on Co-Operation concerning the Tisza/Tisa River Basin (2003)

Protocol between Finland, Norway and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics Concerning Amendments to the Regulations of 24 April 1947 for the Regulation of Lake Inari in Connexion with the Use of the Niskakoski Dam and to the Protocol of 29 April 1954 Concerning Amendments to Paragraph 2 of the Said Regulations (1956)

Agreement Between the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, the Government of Norway and the Government of Finland Concerning the Regulation of lake Inari by Means of the Kaitakoski Hydro-Electric Power Station and Dam (1959)

Additional Protocol Concerning Compensation for Loss and Damage and for the Works to be Carried Out by Finland in Connection with the Implementation of the Agreement Concerning the Regulation of Lake Inari by Means of the Kaitakoski Hydroelectric Power Station and Dam (1959)

Convention Between the Republic of Finland and the Russian Socialist Federal Soviet Republic Concerning the Maintenance of River Channels and the Regulation of Fishing on Watercourses Forming Part of the Frontier Between Finland and Russia (1922)

Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Finland and the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics concerning the production of electric power in the part of the Vuoksi river bounded by the Imatra and Svetogorsk hydroelectric station (1972)

Agreement between Finland and Norway on the Finnish-Norwegian border water commission (1980)

Agreement Regulating the Withdrawal of the Water from Lake Constance (1966)

Agreement Concerning the Protection of the Waters of the Mediterranean Shores (1976)

Extension of the Agreement on the Environmental Management of the Lielupe River Basin (1995)

Agreement between the Government of the Hellenic Republic and the Government of the Republic of Albania on the establishment of the permanent Greek-Albanian Commission on transboundary freshwater issues (2003)

Minutes of the Meeting of the Greek-Albanian Permanent Commission on the Transboundary Freshwater Issues (2008)

Agreement Between the Government of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and the Government of the People's Republic of Albania Concerning Water Economy Questions, Together With the Statue of the Yugoslav-Albanian Water Economic Commission and With the Protocol Concerning Fishing in Frontier Lakes and Rivers (1956)

Agreement between the Government of Hungary and the Government of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam on cooperation in the field of water management (2013)



Resolution of the UN General Assembly A/RES/35/18 “Proclamation of the International Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation Decade” (1980)

Resolution of the UN General Assembly A/RES/47/719 “Observance of World Day for Water” (1993)

Resolution of the UN General Assembly A/RES/55/196 “International Year of Freshwater, 2003” (2001)

Resolution of the UN General Assembly A/RES/58/217 “International Decade for Action, “Water for Life”, 2005-2015” (2004)

Resolution of the UN General Assembly 2/104 Human rights and access to water (2006)

Resolution of the UN General Assembly 7/22 Human rights and access to safe drinking water and sanitation (2008)

Resolution of the UN General Assembly A/RES/63/133 “Observer status for the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea in the General Assembly” (2008)

Resolution of the UN General Assembly A/RES/63/124 “The law of transboundary aquifers” (2009)

Resolution of the UN General Assembly A/HRC/RES/12/8 Human rights and access to safe drinking water and sanitation (2009)

Resolution of the UN General Assembly A/RES/64/198 “Midterm comprehensive review of the implementation of the International Decade for Action, “Water for Life”, 2005-2015” (2010)

Resolution of the UN General Assembly A/64/692 “Water, peace and security: transboundary water cooperation” (2010)

Resolution of the UN General Assembly A/64/692/Corr.1 “Water, peace and security: transboundary water cooperation” (corrigendum) (2010)

Resolution of the UN General Assembly A/64/693 “Organization of the midterm comprehensive review of the International Decade for Action, “Water for Life” 2005-2015” (2010)

Resolution of the UN General Assembly A/64/694 “Water and the internationally agreed development goals” (2010)

Resolution of the UN General Assembly A/64/695 “Water, climate change and disasters” (2010)

Resolution of the UN General Assembly A/64/292 “The human right to water and sanitation” (2010)

Resolution of the UN General Assembly A/HRC/15/L.14 “Human rights and access to safe drinking water and sanitation” (2010)

Resolution of the UN General Assembly A/HRC/RES/15/9 Human rights and access to safe drinking water and sanitation (2010)

Resolution of the UN General Assembly A/RES/65/154 “International Year of Water Cooperation, 2013” (2011)

Resolution of the UN General Assembly A/HRC/RES/16/2 “The human right to safe drinking water and sanitation” (2011)

Resolution of the UN General Assembly A/HRC/RES/18/1 The human right to safe drinking water and sanitation (2011)

Resolution of the UN General Assembly 66/104 “The law of transboundary aquifers” (2012)

Resolution of the UN General Assembly A/HRC/RES/21/2 The human right to safe drinking water and sanitation (2012)

Resolution of the UN General Assembly A/RES/67/204 Implementation of the International Year of Water Cooperation, 2013 (2013)

Resolution of the UN General Assembly A/RES/67/291 “Sanitation for All” (2013)

Resolution of the UN General Assembly A/RES/68/118 The law of transboundary aquifers (2013)

Resolution of the UN General Assembly A/HRC/RES/24/18 The human right to safe drinking water and sanitation (2013)

Resolution of the UN General Assembly A/RES/68/157 The human right to safe drinking water and sanitation (2014)

Resolution of the UN General Assembly A/RES/70/169 The human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation (2015)

Resolution of the UN General Assembly A/RES/71/222 International Decade for Action, “Water for Sustainable Development”, 2018–2028 (2016)

Resolution of the UN General Assembly A/RES/71/150 The law of transboundary aquifers (2016)

Resolution of the UN General Assembly A/RES/72/273 Cooperation between the United Nations and the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (2018)

Resolution of the UN General Assembly A/RES/72/178 “The human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation” (2017)

Resolution of the UN General Assembly A/RES/73/226 “Midterm comprehensive review of the implementation of the International Decade for Action, “Water for Sustainable Development”, 2018–2028” (2018)

Resolution of the UN General Assembly A/RES/73/297 “Cooperation between the United Nations and the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea” (2019)

Resolution of the UN General Assembly 74/193 “The law of transboundary aquifers” (2020)

Resolution of the UN General Assembly A/RES/75/212 “United Nations Conference on the Midterm Comprehensive Review of the Implementation of the Objectives of the International Decade for Action, “Water for Sustainable Development”, 2018–2028” (2020)

Resolution of the UN General Assembly A/RES/75/266 “Cooperation between the United Nations and the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea” (2021)

Resolution of the UN General Assembly A/RES/75/278 “Declaring the Aral Sea region a zone of ecological innovations and technologies” (2021)

Resolution of the UN General Assembly A/RES/76/153 “The human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation” (2022)

Resolution of the UN General Assembly A/RES/77/112 “The law of transboundary aquifers” (2022)

Resolution E/ESCAP/RES/79/8 “Consideration of the modalities for the establishment of the United Nations special programme for the Aral Sea basin” (2023)

Resolution of the UN General Assembly A/RES/78/130 “Sustainable, safe and universal water, sanitation, hygiene, waste and electricity services in health-care facilities” (2023)

Resolution of the UN General Assembly A/RES/78/206 “The human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation” (2023)




  Guidelines on Water Related Issues


The World Bank

The World Bank Operational Manual OP 7.50 - Projects on International Waterways (2001)

The World Bank Bank Procedures BP 7.50 - Projects on International Waterways (2001)

UNECE

Transboundary Water Cooperation in the Newly Independent States (2003)

Bilateral and Multilateral Agreements and Other Arrangements in Europe and North America on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Waters (1993)

Principles for Effective Joint Bodies for Transboundary Water Cooperation under the Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes (2018)

River basin commissions and other institutions for transboundary water cooperation (2009)

Other

International Regulation on River Navigation (Heidelberg, 1887)

International Regulation regarding the Use of International Watercourses for Purposes other than Navigation (Madrid, 1911)

Regulation governing Navigation on International Rivers (Paris, 1934)

Resolution on the Use of International Non-Maritime Waters (Salzburg, 1961)

Resolution on the Pollution of Rivers and Lakes and International Law (Athens, 1979)

Declaration of Policy on Prevention and Control of Water Pollution, including Transboundary Pollution (Geneva, 1980)

Decision on International Co-operation on Shared Water Resources (Geneva, 1982)

Decision on International Co-operation on Shared Water Resources (Geneva, 1986)

Code of Conduct on Accidental Pollution of Transboundary Inland Waters (New York, 1990)

Proposals of Panel of Experts on the Legal and Institutional Aspects of International Water Resources Development (New York, 1969)

Declarations of the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment [extracts] (Stockholm, 1972)

United Nations General Assembly Resolution 3129 (XXVIII) on Co-operation in the field of the Environment concerning Natural Resources Shared by Two or More States (New York, 1973)

United Nations General Assembly Resolution 33/87 on Co-operation in the field of the Environment concerning Natural Resources Shared by Two or More States (New York, 1978)

United Nations General Assembly Resolution 34/186 on Co-operation in the field of the Environment concerning Natural Resources Shared by Two or More States (New York, 1979)

Declarations and Resolutions of the United Nations Water Conference (Mar del Plata, 1977)

The rights to water (arts. 11 and 12 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights) (2002)

Treaty Handbook (UN) (2002)


  Binding and non-binding instruments in Central Asia region


Agreement between the Governments of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, and the Republic of Uzbekistan on the Use of Water and Energy Resources of the Syrdarya Basin (1998)

Agreement Between the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic and the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Joint and Complex Use Water and Energy Resources of the Naryn Syr Darya Cascade Reservoirs in 1998

Agreement Between the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic on Comprehensive Use of Water and Energy Resources of the Naryn Syr Darya Cascade Reservoirs in 1999

Protocol on inserting Amendments and Addenda in the Agreement between the Governments of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, and the Republic of Uzbekistan on the Use of Water and Energy Resources of the Syr Darya Basin (1999)

Protocol of Experts Meeting to draft Agreement Between the Governments of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic, and the Republic of Uzbekistan on Comprehensive Use of Water and Energy Resources of the Naryn Syr Darya Cascade Reservoirs in 1999

Agreement Between the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic on Comprehensive Use of Water and Energy Resources of the Naryn Syr Darya Cascade Reservoirs in 2000

Agreement Between the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic on Comprehensive Use of Water and Energy Resources of the Naryn Syr Darya Cascade Reservoirs in 2000

Protocol of Experts Meeeting to draft Agreement Between the Governments of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic, and the Republic of Uzbekistan on Comprehensive Use of Water and Energy Resources of the Naryn Syr Darya Cascade Reservoirs in 2001

Agreement Between the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Cooperation in the Area of Rational Water and Energy Uses (1998)

Agreement Between the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan on Cooperation in the Area of Rational Water and Energy Uses in 1999

Agreement Between the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan on Cooperation in the Area of Rational Water and Energy Uses in 2000

Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic and the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Cooperation in the Area of Environment and Rational Nature Use (1998)

Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Kazahstan, the Government of the Kirgiz Republic, the Government of the Republic of Tadjikistan and the Government the Republic of Uzbekistan on Cooperation in the Sphere of Hydromet (1999)

Agreement between the Governments of the Republics of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Tajikistan, and the Republic of Uzbekistan on the Parallel Operation of the Energy Systems of Central Asia (1999)

Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic on the Use of Water Management Facilities of Intergovernmental Status on the Rivers Chu and Talas (2000)

Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic on Utilization of the Water Facilities of Interstate Use on the Chu and Talas Rivers (2000)

Statute on the Secretariat for the Commission of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Kyrgyz Republic on the Use of Water Management Facilities of Intergovernmental Status on the Rivers Chu and Talas (2006)

Agreement on the distribution of Talas river water flow (1983)

Recommendations on Financing the Cost of Repair, Operation and Other Activities for the Interstate Use Water Facilities on the Chu and Talas Rivers (2007)

The Regulation of IFAS (1999)

The Agreement about the status of IFAS and its organizations (1997)

Statement of heads of water economy organizations of Central Asian Republics and Kazakhstan (1991)

Agreement between the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Republic of Kirgyzstan, the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Republic of Tajikistan and Turkmenistan on Cooperation in the Field of Joint Water Resources Management and Conservation of Interstate Sources (1992)

Agreement between Republic of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Republic of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Republic of Uzbekistan on joint activities in addressing the Aral Sea and the zone around the Sea crisis, improving the environment, and enduring the social and economic development of the Aral Sea region (1993)

Statute of the Interstate Commission for Water Coordination of Central Asia (ICWC) (1992)

Statute of the Scientific-Information Center of ICWC (SIC ICWC) (1996)

Statute on SIC ICWC branches in the Aral Sea basin states (1999)

Statute of the Secretariat of ICWC (1993)

Statute of the Basin Water Association “Amudarya” (1992)

Statute of the Basin Water Association “Syrdarya” (1992)

Statute on Coordination-Metrological Center ICWC (2000)

Nukus Declaration (1995)

Almaty Declaration (1997)

Tashkent Declaration on the SPECA (1998)

Ashgabat Declaration (1999)

Tashkent Statement of the Heads of State of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Tajikistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan (2001)

Declaration of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (2001)

Dushanbe Declaration (2002)

Joint Statement by the Head of Founder-States of the International Fund for the Aral Sea Saving (2009)

Joint Communique of the Council of the Heads of the state – founders of the International Fund for Saving of Aral Sea (Turkmenbashy, August 2018)

Dushanbe Statement of the Heads of Founding States of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (Dushanbe, September 2023)

Framework Convention on Environmental Protection for Sustainable Development in Central Asia (2006)

Resolution of the UN General Assembly A/RES/63/133 “Observer status for the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea in the General Assembly” (2008)

Resolution of the UN General Assembly A/RES/72/273 Cooperation between the United Nations and the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (2018)

Resolution of the UN General Assembly A/RES/73/297 “Cooperation between the United Nations and the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea” (2019)

Resolution of the UN General Assembly A/RES/75/266 “Cooperation between the United Nations and the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea” (2021)

Resolution of the UN General Assembly A/RES/75/278 “Declaring the Aral Sea region a zone of ecological innovations and technologies” (2021)

Resolution E/ESCAP/RES/79/8 “Consideration of the modalities for the establishment of the United Nations special programme for the Aral Sea basin” (2023)

A/67/884 Twentieth anniversary of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (Annex to the letter dated 5 June 2013 from the Permanent Representative of Uzbekistan to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General) (2013)

A/68/383 Programme of measures on eliminating the consequences of the drying up of the Aral Sea and averting the catastrophe of the ecological systems in the Aral Sea region (Annex to the letter dated 12 September 2013 from the Permanent Representative of Uzbekistan to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General) (2013)


  National water legislation


Albania

Law on Water Resources of the Republic of Albania (1996)

Law on the protection of transboundary lakes of the Republic of Albania (2003)

Afghanistan

Water Law of Afghanistan (2009)

Azerbaijan

Water Code of the Azerbaijan Republic (1997)

Armenia

Water Code of the Republic of Armenia (2002)

Belize

Belize Water and Sewerage Act (1971)

Belize Water Industry Act (2003)

Bulgaria

Bulgaria Law on Waters (1999)

Bulgaria Water Users Association Act (2001)

Brazil

Brazil Water Policy Act (1997)

Canada

Canada Water Act (2000)

Cambodia

Law on Water Resources Management of the Kingdom of Cambodia (2007)

Columbia

The Columbia River Treaty (1964)

Czech Republic

Water Act of the Czech Republic (2001)

Dominica

Dominica Central Water Authority Act (1967)

Estonia

Estonia Water Act (1994)

Finland

Finnish Act on Water Resources Management (2004)

Finnish Water Act (1961)

Georgia

Water Act of Georgia (2000)

Iran

Iran Water Law and the Manner of Water Nationalization (1968)

Israel

Water Law of Israel (1959)

India

Inter-State River Water Disputes Act (1956)

The River Boards Act (1956)

The Maharashtra Water Resources Regulatory Authority Act (2005)

The Goa Ground Water Regulation Act (2002)

Andhra Pradesh Water Resources Development Corporation Act (1997)

Indonesia

Indonesia Government Regulation Concerning Rivers (1991)

Law on Water Resources of the Republic of Indonesia (2004)

Law on Water Resources of the Republic of Indonesia (elucidation, 2004)

Japan

Industrial Water Law of Japan (1956)

Water Resources Development Promotion Law of Japan (1961)

The River Law of Japan (1964)

Water Pollution Control Law of Japan (1970)

Soil Contamination Countermeasures Act of Japan (2002)

Law for the Promotion of Nature Restoration of Japan (2002)

Law for Enhancing Motivation on Environmental Conservation and Promoting of Environmental Education of Japan (2003)

Invasive Alien Species Act of Japan (2004)

Law Concerning the Promotion of Business Activities with Environmental Consideration by Specified Corporations, etc., by Facilitating Access to Environmental Information, and Other Measures of Japan (2004)

Korea, Democratic People’s Republic of

The Law of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea on Rivers (2002)

Law of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea on Water Resources (1997)

The Law of the People's Democratic Republic of Korea on the Protection of the Environment (1986)

Korea, Republic of

River Act (1999)

Groundwater Act (1997)

Water Supply and Waterworks Installation Act (1991)

Fishery Resources Protection Act (1953)

Public Waters Management Act (1961)

Public Waters Management Act (1999)

Management of Drinking Water Act (1995)

Public Waters Management and Reclamation Act (2010)

Water Quality Conservation Act (1990)

Small River Maintenance Act (1995)

Management of Drinking Water Act (2007)

Act on Water Management of and Resident Support in the Geum River Basin (2002)

Act on Water Management of and Resident Support in the Nakdong River Basin (2002)

Act on Construction of Dams and Assistance, etc. to their Environs (1999)

Kyrgyzstan

Water Code of the Kyrgyz Republic (2004)

The Law of Kyrgyz Republic on Interstate Use of Water Bodies, Water Resources and Water Structures of Kyrgyz Republic (2001)

Lithuania

Law on Water of the Republic of Lithuania (1997)

Latvia

Waste Management Law of the Republic of Latvia (2001)

Lao

Water and Water Resources Law of Lao (1996)

Mongolia

The Mongolian Law on Water (1995)

Moldova

Moldova Water Code (1993)

Nepal

Nepal Water Resources Act (1992)

Philippines

Water Code of the Philippines (1976)

Romania

Romania Water Law (1996)

Scotland

Scotland Water Industry Act (2002)

South Africa

South Africa Water Services Act (1997)

South Africa National Water Act (1998)

South Africa Water Use Registration Regulations (1999)

Swaziland

Water Act of Swaziland (2003)

Tajikistan

Water Code of the Republic of Tajikistan (2000)

Tanzania

The Water Laws Act of the United Republic of Tanzania (1999)

Turkey

Act relative to Groundwaters of Turkey (1960)

Regulation for Water Pollution Control of Turkey (1988)

Environment Law of Turkey (1983)

Trinidad and Tobago

Trinidad and Tobago Dry River Act (1928)

Trinidad and Tobago Water and Sewerage Act (1965)

Trinidad and Tobago Waterworks and Water Conservation Act (1944)

United Arab Emirates (Abu Dhabi)

Water Supply Regulations (2009)

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Water Act (1973)

Water Act (1981)

Water Act (1983)

Water Act (1989)

Water Resources Act (1991)

Water Act (2003)

Water Act (2014)

Water Resources (Scotland) Act (2013)

Water and Sewerage Services Act (Northern Ireland) (2016)

Flood and Water Management Act (2010)

Reservoirs Act (1975)

The Reservoirs Act 1975 (Non-Impounding and Service Reservoirs Panels) (Applications and Fees) Regulations (1985)

The Reservoirs Act 1975 (Commencement No. 3) Order (1986)

Reservoirs Act 1975 (Exemptions, Appeals and Inspections) (England) Regulations (2013)

Reservoirs Act 1975 (Capacity, Registration, Prescribed Forms, etc.) (England) Regulations (2013)

Reservoirs Act 1975 (Referees) (Appointment, Procedure and Costs) (England) Rules (2013)

Reservoirs Act 1975 (Exemptions, Appeals and Inspections) (Wales) Regulations (2016)

Reservoirs Act 1975 (Capacity, Registration, Prescribed Forms, etc.) (Wales) Regulations (2016)

The Reservoirs Act (Panels of Civil Engineers) (Applications and Fees) Regulations (2021)

Reservoirs (Scotland) Act (2011)

Reservoirs Act (Northern Ireland) (2015)

Uzbekistan

Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan “Water and Water Use” (1993)

Vanuatu

Water Resources Management Act of the Republic of Vanuatu (2002)

Vietnam

Law on Water Resources of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (1998)

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe Water Bill (1998)