Iraq Secures Water Rights with Turkey: A Human Rights and Rule of Law Milestone in Addressing Drought

Iraq and Turkey Strengthen Water Cooperation: A Step Toward Addressing Drought and Ensuring Water Rights

Iraq has taken a significant step toward addressing its water crisis with the implementation of the "Ankara Agreement," a bilateral water-sharing accord with Turkey. Member of Parliament Baqir Al-Saadi confirmed that the agreement is now entering its activation phase, offering hope for alleviating Iraq’s severe water shortages.

Al-Saadi highlighted the pivotal role of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani’s recent visit to Ankara, where he met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. "The visit was one of the first to prioritize the water file as a vital and strategic issue for Baghdad," Al-Saadi said. He emphasized that the agreement includes key provisions, such as increased water releases into the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, which are essential for agriculture, marshland preservation, and other critical sectors in Iraq.

The MP expressed optimism about the agreement's potential to ease domestic concerns over Iraq’s dwindling water resources. "The activation of the Ankara Agreement will be a strategic milestone for the central government," Al-Saadi noted, adding that the Prime Minister and his team have consistently prioritized water issues in discussions with neighboring countries.

Human Rights and Rule of Law Perspectives

Water is widely recognized as a fundamental human right, essential for life, health, and dignity. The Ankara Agreement represents a step toward fulfilling Iraq's obligations under international human rights law to ensure equitable access to water for its citizens. By addressing water scarcity, the agreement can help mitigate the adverse effects on vulnerable populations, particularly farmers and communities dependent on marshlands for their livelihoods.

From a rule-of-law perspective, the agreement underscores the importance of international cooperation in resolving transboundary water disputes. It reflects Iraq’s commitment to pursuing legal and diplomatic channels to secure its water rights while fostering regional stability. The inclusion of clear terms and mechanisms for implementation further enhances transparency and accountability in managing shared water resources.

Broader Context and Related Developments

Iraq’s water crisis is driven by a combination of factors, including upstream dam projects in neighboring countries, climate change, and inefficient water management practices. The Ankara Agreement is part of a broader framework aimed at tackling these challenges through bilateral and regional cooperation:

1. Framework Agreement on Water Policy: During recent high-level meetings, Iraq and Turkey signed over 24 agreements across various sectors, including a "Framework Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Water Policy." This agreement aims to modernize Iraq's outdated water infrastructure and ensure sustainable water management practices. $CITE_{4}$

2. Increased Water Releases: As part of the 2023 negotiations, Turkey committed to releasing 500 cubic meters per second of water into Iraq’s rivers, a measure expected to significantly alleviate drought conditions in affected regions. $CITE_{1}$

3. Strategic Cooperation: Beyond water-sharing, Turkey has expressed willingness to assist Iraq in modernizing its irrigation systems and improving agricultural efficiency. This aligns with broader efforts to address the root causes of water scarcity. $CITE_{3}$

4. Environmental Preservation: The agreement also emphasizes the importance of preserving Iraq’s marshlands, which are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Revitalizing these ecosystems is crucial for biodiversity and cultural heritage.

Challenges Ahead

Despite these positive developments, Iraq’s water crisis remains a complex issue requiring sustained efforts. Climate change continues to exacerbate drought conditions, while upstream activities by neighboring countries pose ongoing challenges. Effective implementation of the Ankara Agreement will depend on robust monitoring mechanisms and continued dialogue between Baghdad and Ankara.

A Path Forward

The Ankara Agreement offers a promising framework for addressing Iraq’s immediate water needs while laying the groundwork for long-term solutions. By integrating human rights principles and rule-of-law approaches, Iraq can ensure that its water policies benefit all citizens equitably and sustainably.

This landmark agreement not only strengthens bilateral relations with Turkey but also serves as a model for regional cooperation on shared natural resources.