What is the International Convention on the Law of the Non-Navigational Uses of International Watercourses (UNWC)?

The International Convention on the Law of the Non-Navigational Uses of International Watercourses (UNWC) is an international agreement that outlines the legal responsibilities of nations that share a large body of water. It was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1997 and has since been ratified by many countries, including the United States. The UNWC provides a framework for the allocation, protection, and management of international watercourses, which are often divided between two or more countries. The UNWC clarifies the rights and obligations of states in regards to the use of international watercourses. It states that “each State shall, in utilizing an international watercourse in its territory, take all appropriate measures to prevent the causing of significant harm to other States sharing that watercourse.” It also stresses the importance of international cooperation and consultation when using watercourses that are shared between countries. In Hawaii, the UNWC has been identified as relevant and applicable in the context of the Hawaiian Islands, wherein the ocean and its various watercourses are used by multiple countries for various activities. The Convention provides a basis for countries to consult, negotiate, and cooperate with regards to allocating, protecting, and managing shared watercourses to avoid any potential disputes or conflicts. The UNWC also requires that states must inform and consult with other states before undertaking activities that may lead to the Cross-Border Impact of Pollution.

What is the International Convention on the Law of the Non-Navigational Uses of International Watercourses (UNWC)?

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