The resolution was adopted at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva and includes, for the first time, an explicit reference to transboundary water cooperation, following Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts.
The resolution was presented by Germany and Spain. Pakistan played an active role in ensuring that transboundary water cooperation remained part of the final text.
According to the report, India attempted to remove the reference to transboundary water cooperation from the resolution. However, the 47-member Human Rights Council adopted the resolution by consensus.
Pakistan’s First Secretary Adeel Khokhar said cooperation over shared water resources is a joint responsibility of neighbouring countries.
He said no upstream country should use water as a tool of political pressure or influence.
The resolution marks a significant development in discussions surrounding access to safe water, sanitation and cooperation over shared water resources.