The International Obligation of Harirud Riparian States in Marine Construction

The Harirud International River is a continuous boundary river between Afghanistan, Iran and Turkmenistan, which has its head on the territory of Afghanistan (upstream). So far, no trilateral agreement has been concluded between the three countries. The construction of dams in the subsidiary subdivisions of Harirud waterway by the said States have blocked the main flow of water to the main shaft. Given the water crisis and the lack of agreements on how to use the River, it is feared that these marine constructions may lead to an international dispute. Therefore, this paper, using the arbitral and judicial jurisprudence and international instruments and Custom explains the international obligations of Harirud waterway States on the marine constructions. It is concluded that States are required to issue notification for the marine construction. Moreover, the riparian governments commit themselves to fair and equitable use of the River so that it does not seriously damage the lower reaches (Turkmenistan and Iran).