Water security and peace: a synthesis of studies ... - unesdoc - Unesco

11.3.2. Impartial Sources of Support
It has been suggested that there is a need for additional outside sources of help with
institutional reform as well to provide expertise on the techniques for creating
transparency and providing for public consultation. This would help to create an
enabling environment for community participation and especially to enhance the role
of women. This service could be extended to the coordination of identifying and
monitoring hotspots so that mediation services may be offered early in the process to
prevent tensions from leading to conflict.
UNESCO’s involvement in the field of water conflict management started in 1996
when the thirty-six Member States of the International Hydrological Program
Intergovernmental Council (IC-IHP) approved the inclusion of “Water Conflicts” as a
majot theme in the work plan of the program. The organization’s implication in these
matters grew efficiently until the same Council adopted in 1998 a resolution endorsing
the creation of a center that “aims at promoting co-operation for sustainable water
resources” in the city of Valencia, Spain. Because of some national political events this
project remained unfinished.
In 2000 at the conclusion of the Second World Water Forum, Dr Mahmoud Abu
Zeid, President of the World Water Council, proposed the creation of the World
Commission on Water, Peace, and Security to provide an opportunity for third-party
mediation of shared water disputes. The role of the commission would have been to
assist nations in current and potential transboundary water issues, providing an
independent opinion to help bridge the gap between concerned parties, to develop
and promote common interest for “win–win” solutions. However the Council
recognized that the lead in some of these areas rests with the United Nations family.
Dr Abu Zeid approached the Director-General of UNESCO with the suggestion of
creating a Water Cooperation Facility. The creation of this facility was announced at
the Third World Water Forum, in keeping with a recommendation of the Statement to
the Ministerial Conference adopted in the Water and Peace Theme of the Third World
Water Forum.
The Water Cooperation Facility is an UNESCO/World Water Council (WWC)
initiative linking these two bodies with two other pivotal organizations, the Permanent
Court of Arbitration (PCA) and the Universities Partnership for Transboundary Waters
(UPTW). It will:
! foster peace and cooperation among stakeholders using common shared water
resources by – on demand only – harnessing and/or developing the necessary
financial and human resources, the favorable environment, political backing, and
where needed and agreed, judicial resources
! draw upon the resources of these renowned institutions (each bringing a unique
perspective and set of skills to promote the resolution of water disputes) as well
as those of other key organizations with a stake in the success of such a facility
! serve as a nexus for education, research, technical expertise and the
development of dispute resolution techniques for integrated water resources
management, incorporating a multi-disciplinary approach.
11.4. Strengthening International Law to Protect Water Facilities
Declarations of new standards and promulgation of guidelines, though not legally
binding, could achieve many of the same objectives. By placing increased emphasis
on the international law of terrorism, prospects may be enhanced that those who
attack water facilities will be brought to justice, and further acts of terrorism will be
deterred. Finally, support for the International Criminal Court will improve the climate
of accountability and enforcement of international law. These actions will contribute to
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