UN Convention on Non-Navigational Uses of International Watercourses (1997)

The primary international legal instrument governing transboundary watercourse management. Contains 37 articles organised in seven parts covering: scope and definitions, general principles (equitable and reasonable utilization, obligation not to cause significant harm, cooperation, regular exchange of data), planned measures procedures, environmental protection, management and regulation, and dispute settlement. Adopted by the UN General Assembly on 21 May 1997 (Resolution 51/229). Entered into force on 17 August 2014 after Vietnam became the 35th ratifying state. Considered largely codifying customary international water law. Provides a framework that can be supplemented by bilateral and regional agreements.