Sparing Water from Armed Conflicts – Building a Coalition of Action

The impact of conflict on freshwater, water-related installations is severe and long-lasting, and poses grave humanitarian, development and environmental challenges. Sparing water from armed conflicts and ensuring access to water is therefore a matter of survival in conflict zones. But the significance of sparing water from armed conflicts extends beyond its delivery: it encompasses the vital aspects of livelihood, well-being, and dignity for civilians. Addressing the challenges faced by civilian populations during armed conflicts not only alleviates their hardships but also contributes significantly to achieving lasting peace, stability, reconciliation, and development.

In recognition of the need for international mobilization in this domain, a Global Alliance to Spare Water from Armed Conflicts was launched in May 2024 in New York. The Alliance is a wide coalition of member states, NGOs, and national CSOs. The general objective of the Global Alliance is to galvanise efforts at all levels to protect the civilian population through the protection of water and water-related installations from the consequences of armed conflicts.

Against this backdrop, the event will provide a forum to discuss the following:

a) direct and indirect impacts of attacks on freshwater

b) the relevance of the Alliance and its key activities

c) good practices and possible new / better standards to protect freshwater and related installations during and after armed conflicts

d) strategies and approaches, including “water ceasefires”, to ensure the rehabilitation of water services and reconstruction of water infrastructure

e) identification of the necessary political processes to utilize water diplomacy to protect civilians during conflict, but also as a means for preventative and reconciliative peacebuilding

Speakers

• Ms. Anita Pipan - Permanent Representative of Slovenia to the United Nations in Geneva
• Ms. Caroline Pellaton - Director of Operations, Geneva Water Hub
• Mr. Daud Hirmoge  - Head of Programme, Geneva Call, Yemen
• Ms. Abby Zeith - Legal Adviser, ICRC
• Brig Gen. Godard Busingye - Chief Legal Services, Ugandan People's Defence
• Ms. Monica Ramos - WASH Cluster Coordinator, UNICEF
• Mr. Christian Guillermet Fernández - Permanent Representative of Costa Rica to the United Nations in Geneva

Interpretation

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Live streaming

All events during Geneva Peace Week will be available on-site and online.

Main organiser

• Geneva Call (GC)

Co-Organizers

• Geneva Water Hub
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Affairs of Slovenia