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On February 21st, 2024, the Water Diplomacy Center joined forces with the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI) to host a webinar titled "The Human Right to Water from an International Law Perspective." led by expert speaker Mr. Moez Allaoui, a Senior Manager at SIWI. The Hybrid Webinar was moderated by Prof Majed Abu-Zreig, the director of WDC. The discussion explored the legal frameworks surrounding this fundamental right and highlighted the challenges faced by many regions around the world.

Access to water as a human right: The webinar emphasized the core message: access to sufficient, safe, accessible, and affordable water for personal use is not a privilege, but a fundamental human right recognized by international laws. Yet, a significant portion of the global population still facing insecure water supply.

Legal frameworks in action: The webinar delved into various regional and international conventions, including the Helsinki Convention, the UN Non-Navigational Uses of International Watercourses Convention, and the Geneva Conventions, to understand how they addressed equitable and reasonable water use.

Case studies and challenges: Discussions presented case studies from the MENA region and beyond, including the concerning situation in Gaza, where violations of international humanitarian law exacerbate water access limitations. The discussion highlighted the need for effective implementation and enforcement mechanisms to hold violators accountable.

Moving forward: Recognizing the gradual nature of realizing economic, social, and cultural rights, the webinar concluded with a call for collective action. Collaboration between governments, institutions, and individuals is crucial to ensure that everyone, everywhere, has access to this life-sustaining resource.

By raising awareness and advocating for practical solutions, the Water Diplomacy Center and SIWI are helping pave the way for a future where water is truly a right for all.​