David Bigge
Attorney Advisor of the Department of State
New York, New York
October 19, 2022
AS DELIVERED
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
The International Law Commission’s work on transboundary aquifers constituted an important advance in providing a possible framework for the reasonable use and protection of underground aquifers, which are playing an increasingly important role as water sources for human populations.
The issues arising from transboundary aquifers are highly context specific, and state practices vary widely. The United States continues to believe that context-specific arrangements provide the best way to address pressures on transboundary groundwaters in aquifers, as opposed to refashioning the draft articles into a global framework treaty or into principles. States concerned should take into account the provisions of these draft articles when negotiating appropriate bilateral or regional arrangements for the proper management of transboundary aquifers. With respect to this agenda item, the United States position has not changed since its last statement.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
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