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A Matter of Survival

Third, finance: The overall investment in water and sanitation formulating a strategic framework for global water cooperation
needs to be increased substantially. Existing financial facilities, and a program of action defining specific priorities for the five-
some of which were established with the goal of promoting year period following the Global Conference.
international cooperation for the protection of the environment
and mitigating the effects of climate change, should be used Within its primary responsibility for the maintenance of
more fully. It is important to underline that the overwhelming international peace and security, the UN Security Council
proportion of the physical effects of climate change is transmitted is expected to design an effective policy framework for the
through water. Therefore, water-related projects for mitigation protection of water resources and installations in the situations
and, increasingly, for adaptation to the effects of climate change, on the Council’s agenda.
have to be given higher priority and better financial support
than was hitherto the case. While overall investment in water 2. Into the Abyss: Water in Armed Conflicts
and sanitation has to increase substantially, there is a need to
create instruments for preferential and concessional finance for Within its efforts to strengthen the protection of civilians
collaborative projects, especially those in shared water basins. in armed conflicts, the UN Security Council should adopt a
Such projects have a significant impact on the lives of local resolution that will reflect the experiences of protecting water
populations, and have to be given priority. We therefore propose resources and infrastructure in armed conflicts, and guide the
the creation of a new Blue Fund to serve this purpose. Council’s decision making relating to specific situations on its
agenda. The Panel believes that the resolution could include a
Fourth, political support: Positive linkages between water number of elements stemming from existing experience.
cooperation and peace need political support. As in all other
areas of international cooperation, political will is essential for The Security Council should:
progress. The UN General Assembly and the Security Council are
the key instruments to generate and strengthen such political ▪ Recognize water as “a vital asset of humankind” and
emphasize that the protection of water resources and
will. In this framework, other international institutions and states installations constitutes a vital element of the protection
should be encouraged to give high priority to water cooperation of civilians in armed conflicts, therefore water must not be
in their policymaking. Civil society and grassroots organizations affected by armed attack or used as a weapon of war;
should contribute their views, based on their experience and
knowledge. ▪ Strengthen the respect for and implementation of International
Humanitarian Law (IHL) and clarify that IHL principles, such
We have studied the issues of water and peace with passion as the principles of distinction and proportionality must be
and strong commitment. Our report reflects our thinking applied both in international and in non-international armed
and discussion. Throughout the report we have offered conflicts;
recommendations related specifically to each chapter. We ▪ Encourage “water supply ceasefires” during armed conflicts
now summarize them in the final chapter with the aim that and the inclusion of water issues and water cooperation in
they are seen together, as a complete set of our proposals for peace agreements;
further action and as building blocks for future activities. ▪ Insist on restraint with respect to the environment during
armed conflicts and encourage provisions on environmental
1. The Drama of Water protection in ceasefires and peace agreements;
▪ Provide a platform for support to humanitarian organizations
We share the widely held understanding that water scarcity in their work before, during and after armed conflicts;
and deteriorating quality represent an ever more pronounced
conflict-risk multiplier, and that therefore the world needs a ▪ Encourage the quick deployment of military water specialists
fundamental rethinking of the global approach to water issues. in peace operations to rehabilitate and rebuild water supply
The nexus between water, peace and security has to be given systems;
urgent attention and a thorough consideration in the context of ▪ Guide the formulation and implementation of mandates of UN
this rethinking. peace operations as well as post-conflict activities that will
include the protection of water resources and installations;
We welcome the existing engagement of a multitude of actors in ▪ Serve as an inspiration to other UN bodies as well as to UN
this effort and recommend that the UN serve as the vehicle of the Member States and other international actors.
policy and institutional changes.
States and the relevant international organizations and UN
The UN General Assembly has the most important responsibilities bodies, including the Security Council’s Counter-Terrorism
in this context, while the UN Security Council is expected to Committee should study the trends in the development of
develop a policy framework for the protection of water resources technologies for protecting water infrastructure and stimulate
and installations in armed conflicts and in other situations on international cooperation for their effective use in situations
the Council’s agenda. of armed conflicts. States should be encouraged to develop
the appropriate legislative frameworks for the protection of
We recommend that the UN General Assembly convenes a Global transboundary water infrastructures against terrorist acts.
Conference on International Water Cooperation with the aim of

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