Authored by Dr. Ahmad Kazemi, PhD in Public International Law, Islamic Azad University of Qom, Iran

Email:ahmadkazemi56@gmail.com
DOI: 10.22034/IMRL.2022.365451.1145

Research Journal of International Media/ 7th Year/ Number 1/ Spring and Summer 2022/ 45-85

Receipt date:10/08/2022

Acceptance date:11/09/2022

Abstract

Turkey’s GAP and DAP projects, achieved by constructing numerous dams on the Tigris, Euphrates, and Aras international rivers, pose a range of environmental crises and economic, social, and humanitarian challenges to the neighboring countries of Iraq, Syria, Iran, Armenia, and the Republic of Azerbaijan. The consequences of GAP and DAP projects include the generation of micro dust, the infringement upon the water rights of downstream countries, the depletion of native aquatic species, the desiccation of wetlands, desertification, agricultural health crises, exacerbation of unemployment, and migration issues. Despite protests, Turkey asserts that the Tigris, Euphrates, and Aras water resources belong to its internal waters, and continues with these projects. This article aims to analyze GAP and DAP through the lens of international law principles and the theoretical framework of “international environmental law” and “environmental human rights”, particularly focusing on the concept of “prohibition of harmful environmental use”. Utilizing a descriptive-analytical approach, it seeks to address the question: What are the dimensions of international law violation in GAP and DAP? The findings reveal that the execution of the GAP and DAP project contradicts established norms of international environmental law, as well as the “Convention on the Law of Non-Vessel Exploitation of International Watercourses”, the Ramsar Conventions, Combating Desertification, ESPOO and Aarhus, and the Stockholm Declaration. Furthermore, by infringing upon the “right to access a healthy climate” and causing destruction to cultural heritage, it significantly breaches international human rights regulations and the cultural rights of minorities. World service media outlets have the potential to counter Ankara’s censorship in media policy and reverse the impacts of these projects by elucidating the human rights and environmental rights violations associated with GAP and DAP projects, while also fostering awareness and advocacy within public opinion and environmental protection groups. This can help prevent further development and halt foreign investments in these projects.