The Ilisu Dam: Downstream Water Impacts on Iraq are adverse and serious

Report of a Cornerhouse and KHRP Fact Finding Mission to Iraq, 29 March 2007

The full 23 page report can be found on the WEED website. (PDF)

MAIN FINDINGS

1. Turkey did not provide Iraq with the information it requested on the proposed Ilisu Dam prior to approval of financing by the Export Credit Agencies (ECAs), despite this being a pre-condition of ECA funding.

2. The ECAs mischaracterized the meeting between Iraq, Syria and Turkey on 22nd March 2006. Contrary to ECA statements, Iraq did not agree to the Ilisu Dam. Although the discussions were “positive”, all that was agreed was a framework for future talks.

3. Key conditions on guaranteeing downstream flows to the lower reaches of the Tigris were dropped by the ECAs of Germany, Austria and Switzerland prior to their approving funding of the Ilisu Dam and were replaced by weaker conditions that do not protect Iraq and Syria’s rights.

4. The new conditions set by the ECAs failed to reflect the requirements of international law, which obliges Turkey not merely to provide information on the proposed Ilisu Dam to Iraq and Syria but also to consult and negotiate.

5. The minimum flow rate of 60 m3/sec required by the ECAs is insufficient to prevent adverse downstream impacts on Iraq and Syria.

6. By stipulating a downstream flow rate that has already been unilaterally decided by Turkey, the ECAs have effectively undermined the rights of Iraq and Syria to negotiate a higher – but more “equitable and reasonable” – flow rate.

7. Turkey’s obligations under international customary law and its bilateral agreements with Iraq have not been met.

8. By agreeing to fund the Ilisu Dam without awaiting the outcome of negotiations between the three riparian states, the ECAs of Germany, Austria and Switzerland have not only set a dangerous precedent which undermines international law, the environment and human rights, but may themselves be held to have facilitated the violation of international law.