#water availability

The objective of the Global Alliance to Spare Water from Armed Conflicts is to galvanize efforts at all levels to protect water and water-related installations from the consequences of armed conflicts. To that end, it will marshal the commitment and expertise of its members towards a defined set of goals, notably, promoting and ensuring respect for international law protecting freshwater, water-related installations and other essential services. It will provide a roadmap to disseminate existing legal tools and to better inform on the long-term consequences of armed conflicts. It will also harness expertise from the development and humanitarian sectors to identify action, which can increase resilience in times of conflict and post-conflict situations. It will further focus on preventive measures, and collaboration to reduce or mitigate civilian harm from armed conflicts.

Objectives of the event

This event will highlight the direct and indirect impacts of attacks on or damages to freshwater and water-related installations and protection challenges thereof.

It will identify good practices, lessons learned, as well as possible new / better standards to protect freshwater and related installations during and after armed conflicts.

It will present the relevance of the Alliance and its key activities that may contribute towards strengthening the Protection of Civilians and enhance the implementation of international humanitarian law and human rights law at the international, regional and domestic levels.

It will reflect upon strategies and approaches, including "water ceasefires", to ensure the rehabilitation of water services and reconstruction of water infrastructure during and after armed conflicts.

It will provide an opportunity to secure commitments for the protection of water and water related installations during conflict and for preventative measures to mitigate civilian harm.

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Today, World Water Day 2024 calls us to action, to unite around the theme of "Water for Peace" and to leverage water as a tool for building a more stable, peaceful world.

Access to drinking-water is a human right, but when water is scarce or polluted, or when people have unequal or no access, tensions can rise (1). This underscores the need to harness the cooperative power of water.

Successful examples of water cooperation highlight its value in conflict resolution and community improvement. In Yemen, water user associations have worked to better manage water resources, reduce disputes and empower women. Meanwhile, river basin organizations in Senegal and elsewhere are praised for strengthening livelihoods, development and peace.

“Water bridges the gap between peace and prosperity,” said Dr Maria Neira, Director, Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health. “On this World Water Day, let's harness its power to foster global harmony and health. Safe water and sanitation are not just life-savers; they're peacemakers in our quest for a healthier, more peaceful world.”

Published today, the United Nations world water development report 2024 presents the ever-increasing evidence of how water can truly underpin prosperity and serve as an instrument of peace. The report notes that rivers, tributaries, lakes and aquifers know no borders. For this reason, over the years, water management has more often been a source of cooperation than one of confrontation.

Cooperation is necessary to harness water as a means of building peace and security. At the local and national level, different water users – particularly water and sanitation utilities, energy, food and industry – must cooperate through an integrated water resources management approach. The health sector can further integrate water, sanitation and hygiene-based guidance. Internationally, countries should form agreements and institutions for peaceful transboundary water management, including adhering to conventions like the United Nations Water and Watercourses Convention.

Cooperation not only paves the way for peace but also propels progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals. By prioritizing cooperation and sustainable management of water resources, the world can transform water from a potential source of conflict into a catalyst for peace, stability and prosperity, even amid challenges like climate change, mass migration and political unrest.

Highlighting the critical impact of climate change on water resources, Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury expressed concerns about the threat posed to human civilization. Speaking at the 9th International Water Conference in Dhaka, the minister emphasized the adverse effects of climate change on water, a vital element for humanity and ecosystems. Organized by…

Around 10% of the population lives in countries with high or critical water stress.

Women and girls are more vulnerable to the impacts of groundwater depletion: ⁍The burden of water collection results in missed school and work ⁍The already lower yields of female farmers will decrease even further

Water has been the lifeline of human civilization, influencing the location and development of cities.50 percent of the world's population lives closer than 3km from a freshwater body, while 40 percent of the world's population lives within 100km of the coast. Urban waters have, however, been placed in direct conflict with urbanization, resulting in pollution, destruction of ecosystems, limited access to public spaces, climate change related hazards, and poor urban health for over 3 billion people.

At 700,000 hectares, the Danube delta is Europe’s largest remaining wetland, stretching across Ukraine, Romania and Moldova. Eurasian otters, beavers, golden jackals and many endangered birds call it home. Unfortunately, attempts to tame the Danube River with dams have resulted in serious floods, and poaching of native grazers has led to a critical build-up of combustible plant material that fuels devastating wildfires. By reintroducing native grazers, like bison, and reconnecting the floodplains of the area, the Danube Delta Initiative has both reduced the risk of wildfires and diminished the threat presented by floods. Water availability for farmers has improved and created a powerful incentive for people living in the region to safeguard the wetlands. The returned presence of the bison and other herbivores is also supporting the recovery of wolves and other predators that are beginning to draw tourism. 

On the morning of the 2023 UN Water Conference, ultra-marathon runner Mina Guli has completed a year-long, campaign to run 200 marathons, raising awareness of the world’s water crisis. She completed her last run at UN Headquarters, the location of the major event, the first of its kind in almost half a century.