ABSTRACT
A possible explanation for states' inaction in ratifying or acceding to the UN Watercourses Convention (UNWC) rests on varying and sometimes inaccurate interpretations of the provisions of the Convention. Based on the statements by the different delegations during the Convention's drafting process, as well as presentations by, and informal discussions with, various government officials from different countries, there are at least five misunderstandings and misconceptions about the Convention that stand out. 1 Those misunderstandings often relate to provisions that were contentious during the UNWC's negotiations. This chapter briefly reviews each of those issues.
