《联合国跨界含水层法条款草案》的最终形式问题研究

On Final Form of the UN Draft Articles on the Law of Transboundary Aquifers

跨界含水层及其蕴含的淡水已成为各国争夺的重要战略资源,但规制其利用、保护和管理的国际法却发展相对滞后。为逐渐发展与编纂相关国际法,联合国国际法委员会于2008年二读通过了《跨界含水层法条款草案》,联合国大会随后通过决议注意到草案。当前,草案与国际地下水法的发展正处在一个关键的十字路口。草案的最终形式,即以草案为基础制定一项公约或仅通过软法文件,成为各方争论的焦点。联合国大会和国际法委员会发展、编纂国际法的职责、各国的立场、已有国际法律和实践的欠缺及草案自身的缺陷等均要求草案采取软法文件这一最终形式。随着相关国际法律和实践的日臻完善,联合国大会可以考虑在完善草案的基础上制定一项框架公约。

Transboundary groundwater has become a shared natural resource of strategic importance for many states, but international law governing its use, protection and management has been less well developed. To progressively develop and codify relevant international law, the International Law Commission adopted the UN Draft Articles on the Law of Transboundary Aquifers (second reading) in 2008. Such a final product was taken note of by the General Assembly in a resolution. At present, the Draft Articles and development of international groundwater law is at a crossroad. Final form to be given to the Draft Articles, i.e., a convention or a non-binding legal instrument, is a focal point of contentions. In consideration of limited functions of the UN in facilitating development and codification of international law, divided governmental standpoints, insufficiency of state practices and defects of the Draft Articles, the Draft Articles shall take the final form of a non-binding instrument. In line with gradual development of the law and practices, the General Assembly may consider formulating a framework convention on the basis of the Draft Articles.