Formation of the Lower Riparian Association (LRA): A Collective Legal Initiative for Equitable Water Rights and Transboundary Justice
Prepared by:
Huzaima & Ikram Law Associates
(Dr. Ikramul Haq, Advocate, Supreme Court of Pakistan)
155, Block G-III, Phase-II, Irtaza Road, Johar Town, Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-35300721
Under the technical guidance of:
Engr. Arshad H. Abbasi
Transboundary Water & Energy Expert
Date: October 2025
1. Executive Summary
Across the world, more than 47 lower riparian countries rely on shared river systems whose headwaters originate in upstream nations. These downstream states—ranging from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Vietnam, Mozambique, and Iraq to Argentina, Mexico, and the Netherlands—face mounting challenges in safeguarding their water rights amidst increasing upstream diversions, hydropower projects, and climate stress.
The absence of a coordinated Lower Riparian Association (LRA) leaves these states legally fragmented and politically vulnerable. This concept note proposes the establishment of a collective global legal platform for lower riparian countries to pursue joint advocacy, treaty harmonization, and legal representation within international frameworks, including the UN Watercourses Convention (1997), the UNECE Water Convention (1992), and relevant customary international water laws.
The initiative will be spearheaded by Huzaima & Ikram Law Associates, in collaboration with Engineer Arshad H. Abbasi, to promote equitable, reasonable, and sustainable transboundary water governance.
2. Background and Rationale
Global Water Inequity and Legal Gaps
Over 260 transboundary river basins cross political borders, serving 60% of the global population. However, only a fraction of these basins are governed by enforceable treaties based on equitable and reasonable utilization or no significant harm principles. Lower riparian nations often face unilateral upstream dam construction, diversions, and altered flow regimes—threatening agriculture, ecology, and livelihoods.
Examples include:
- Pakistan’s dependency on Indus flows from India and China
- Egypt and Sudan’s vulnerability under the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam
- Iraq and Syria’s reduced water inflows from Turkey
- Vietnam and Cambodia’s exposure to upstream Mekong developments
Why Collective Legal Action Is Needed
While individual diplomacy and bilateral treaties exist, no unified legal body represents the collective rights of downstream nations. A joint association can help:
- Harmonize legal interpretations of “equitable use” and “no harm”
- Support collective petitions before UN Water, ICJ, and Permanent Court of Arbitration
- Strengthen basin-level cooperation and data-sharing frameworks
- Provide a common legal doctrine and resource hub for lower riparian advocacy
3. Objectives of the Lower Riparian Association (LRA)
- Legal Consolidation: Establish a shared platform for research, case documentation, and collective representation of lower riparian rights
- Policy Coordination: Engage with UN-Water, GWP, ILC, and regional river basin organizations
- Capacity Building: Train legal, hydrological, and diplomatic teams in international water law and transboundary negotiation
- Advocacy and Litigation: Develop common legal strategies under the UN Watercourses Convention (1997) and Helsinki Rules (1966)
- Sustainable Governance: Promote climate-resilient and equitable water allocation mechanisms in multilateral forums
4. Legal Foundations and International Instruments
The LRA’s work will align with:
- UN Convention on the Law of Non-Navigational Uses of International Watercourses (1997)
- UNECE Water Convention (1992)
- Helsinki Rules on the Uses of the Waters of International Rivers (1966)
- Berlin Rules on Water Resources (2004)
- Customary International Law Principles: equitable utilization, obligation to cooperate, duty to notify, and prevention of transboundary harm
These frameworks obligate upstream nations to consult and obtain consent before modifying natural water flow, ensuring lower riparians’ ecological and human rights are respected.
5. Structure and Governance of the LRA
Founding Secretariat: Lahore, Pakistan (Huzaima & Ikram Law Associates)
Technical Advisory Unit: Led by Engr. Arshad H. Abbasi (Water & Energy Expert)
Membership: Open to all 47 identified lower riparian countries
Coordination Partners: GWP, UN-Water, FAO, ICJ, and International Water Law Network
Working Groups:
- Legal & Treaty Harmonization
- Hydro-Diplomacy and Mediation
- Climate Resilience and Water Justice
- Data, Mapping, and Transparency
6. Expected Outcomes
- Creation of a Global Lower Riparian Charter (2026)
- Establishment of a Legal Observatory for Transboundary Rivers
- Publication of Annual Water Justice Reports
- Increased representation of lower riparian in UN and ICJ forums
- Enhanced water security and conflict prevention in shared basins
- Capacity buildings of officials of lower Riparian countries
7. Conclusion
The global water order is shifting—driven by hydropower expansion, climate stress, and geopolitical competition. Without legal solidarity, lower riparian countries risk perpetual inequity. The proposed Lower Riparian Association (LRA) seeks to transform fragmented voices into a unified, legally empowered movement for justice, equity, and sustainability in shared river basins.
Annex I: Initial List of 47 Lower Riparian Countries (Representative Selection)
Africa: Egypt, Sudan, South Sudan, Nigeria, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Senegal, Mauritania, Congo (DRC & Republic), Angola, Benin.
Asia: Pakistan, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Iraq, Syria, Jordan, Palestine, Iran.
Europe: Netherlands, Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova, Ukraine, Latvia, Germany, Poland.
Latin America: Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Venezuela, Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico.
North America: United States (re: Canada-U.S. basins), Mexico (re: U.S. basins).
Annex II: Key Contact Information
Huzaima & Ikram Law Associates
155, Block G-III, Phase-II, Irtaza Road, Johar Town, Lahore, Pakistan
📞 +92-42-35300721
✉️ info@huzaimakramlaw.com
Technical Coordination:
Engr. Arshad H. Abbasi – Transboundary Water & Energy Expert
(Liaison for Global Water Partnership and Lower Riparian Coordination)
+92-333-5144405