Official Invitation Letter
To:
The Honorable Minister / Secretary of Water Resources / Foreign Affairs
[Name of Country]
Subject:
Invitation to Join the Lower Riparian Association (LRA): A Global Legal Platform for Downstream Nations to Secure Equitable Water Rights under International Law
From:
Huzaima & Ikram Law Associates
Under the leadership of Dr. Ikramul Haq, Advocate, Supreme Court of Pakistan
In collaboration with Engineer Arshad H. Abbasi, Transboundary Water & Energy Expert
155, Block G-III, Phase-II, Irtaza Road, Johar Town, Lahore, Pakistan
📞 +92-42-35300721
✉️ info@huzaimakramlaw.com
Date: October 2025
Excellency,
It is with great honor that we invite your esteemed government to join the Lower Riparian Association (LRA) — a newly established global coalition of 47 lower riparian nations united by the shared goal of promoting equitable, sustainable, and legally protected access to transboundary water resources.
Background and Purpose
Lower riparian countries across the world face common challenges arising from upstream diversions, hydropower projects, and water regulation policies that often disregard the rights of downstream states. While existing frameworks such as:
- The UN Convention on the Law of Non-Navigational Uses of International Watercourses (1997)
- The UNECE Water Convention (1992)
- The Helsinki Rules on the Uses of Waters of International Rivers (1966)
Set out legal principles of equitable and reasonable use and no significant harm, implementation remains fragmented and weak.
The Lower Riparian Association (LRA) aims to consolidate the legal, diplomatic, and technical capacities of downstream nations — ensuring that their shared interests are protected under international law and respected in transboundary governance.
Core Mandate of the LRA
Legal and Judicial Support
The LRA will assist member states in interpreting, applying, and where necessary, intervening in cases under International Water and Environmental Law before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), and other international courts and tribunals. This includes preparing amicus briefs, expert submissions, and joint petitions where collective lower riparian interests are at stake.
Treaty Development and Negotiation
Support the drafting and modernization of bilateral and multilateral water-sharing treaties in accordance with the principles of equitable use, environmental sustainability, and mutual consent.
Policy and Institutional Coordination
Create a joint policy forum for lower riparian countries to coordinate their positions before global institutions such as the UN-Water, FAO, World Bank, and UNEP.
Technical and Scientific Collaboration
Facilitate joint hydrological studies, data exchange, and climate resilience planning to strengthen basin-level cooperation and reduce vulnerability to upstream alterations.
Dispute Resolution and Arbitration Support
Provide legal advisory services and mediation mechanisms for the peaceful settlement of water disputes — guided by international law and past jurisprudence of global courts.
Benefits of Joining the LRA
- Gain legal representation and interpretation support before the ICJ, PCA, and other international adjudicative bodies.
- Receive technical and policy assistance in developing and revising water treaties.
- Participate in capacity-building programs on international water law, negotiation, and hydro-diplomacy.
- Access a shared data and research network for water flow, climate change, and energy linkages.
- Be part of the Global Lower Riparian Charter — a declaration of shared principles for water justice and sovereignty.
- Strengthen its diplomatic and legal standing in all future water negotiations with upstream nations.
Next Steps
Member states are kindly requested to:
- Nominate a National Focal Point (NFP) from the Ministry of Water Resources or Foreign Affairs;
- Submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) confirming their participation; and
- Designate representatives to the Founding Council of the LRA, scheduled to convene in Lahore, Pakistan, in early 2026.
Upon confirmation, the LRA Secretariat will provide:
- The LRA Charter
- Membership Protocol
- The Draft Treaty Cooperation Framework for adoption and signature
Conclusion
The creation of the Lower Riparian Association marks a historic step toward collective legal empowerment, water equity, and environmental justice. By joining the LRA, your nation will not only safeguard its rightful share of transboundary waters but also contribute to a new international movement ensuring that rivers unite nations rather than divide them.
We remain at your disposal for any further engagement and look forward to your country’s esteemed participation.
With the highest consideration,
Dr. Ikramul Haq
Advocate, Supreme Court of Pakistan
Senior Partner, Huzaima & Ikram Law Associates
📧 ikramulhaq@huzaimakramlaw.com
Engr. Arshad H. Abbasi
Transboundary Water & Energy Expert
Technical Advisor, Lower Riparian Association (LRA)
📧 arshad.abbasi@lra-global.org