Baghdad: Legal researcher Ali Al-Tamimi has declared that the ongoing water pollution crisis in Iraq constitutes a crime against humanity and poses an existential threat, impacting humans, animals, and the environment detrimentally. He underscores the urgent need for a national strategy, the enforcement of existing laws, and Iraq’s participation in international agreements to safeguard its water resources.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Al-Tamimi referenced Articles 33 and 114 of the Iraqi Constitution, which ensure the citizens’ right to a healthy environment. He also highlighted Articles 497 and 499 of the Penal Code that outline penalties for deliberate water pollution, along with existing environmental and public health legislation.

Al-Tamimi identified various sources of pollution, including the aftermath of past wars, uranium and cluster munitions usage, and the burning of oil wells and agricultural lands. He also noted the indiscriminate disposal of sewage into rivers and estuaries, exacerbated by Turkey’s reduced water releases due to dam constructions on the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.

He suggested that Iraq could tackle this crisis by appealing to the United States under the 2008 Strategic Agreement for economic aid and by submitting a formal request to the UN Secretary-General via the Security Council. This request could invoke Article 99 of the UN Charter to implement Article 50, aiding countries combating terrorism, particularly since ISIS was designated under Chapter VII in 2014.

Moreover, Al-Tamimi mentioned that both water pollution and obstruction are considered genocide under the 1948 Convention. This classification empowers Iraq to prosecute Turkey in international courts pursuant to the court’s statute provisions.