Abstract
The Convention on the Law of the Non-navigational Uses of International Watercourses is to enter into force in August 2014 after adoption by the United Nations General Assembly in 1997. The convention shows international standards for the development and management of fresh water resources across the border, including rivers, lakes and groundwater. It is expected to influence international society strongly. Especially, the principle of equitable utilization is expected to be useful as a solution standard when a dispute arises between a downstream country and an upstream country on an international river. In fact, although the convention still had not entered into force, the principle was quoted in the International Court of Justice ruling. The convention in principle is to discipline only the related parties, but other rulings or state practices should be observed until it has become an international customary law.
