The Latin American Water Tribunal


The LATIN AMERICAN WATER TRIBUNAL is an autonomous, independent and international organization of environmental justice created to contribute in the solution of water related conflicts in Latin America. It bases its work on principles such as the balanced coexistence with nature, respect for human dignity and solidarity among peoples for the preservation of the region’s water systems. It is a justice setting for searching solutions to the water conflicts, in addition to those efforts made by Latin-American citizens before other judicial and administrative institutions for the preservation of the environment and the water protection. The LATIN AMERICAN WATER TRIBUNAL is an ethical institution committed to preserving the water and to guaranteeing its access as a human right for current and future generations. Its legitimacy is originated from both, the moral nature of its resolutions and the juridical fundamentals they are based on. The covenants, declarations and international treaties ratified for the protection of the environment are essential in this institution’s operation. The Tribunal’s activities are based on four main guidelines:

• Justice alternative to the prevailing crisis of legality.

• Ecological security.

• Education and awareness for the adequate water systems protection.

• Water security and fair government for water.

Since its founding in 1998, the TLA has held five hearings in the Latin American trial: two in San Jose, Costa Rica (August 2000 and March 2004), another in Mexico City (March 2006), a Guadalajara (October 2007) and last in Guatemala (September 2008). Likewise, this court held, with the support of the Heinrich Böll Foundation, a hearing in Istanbul in March 2009, which was held to address situations of great geopolitical importance, as is the case of potential dams in the basin of the Tigris and Euphrates. He has also held 2 local audiences: one in San Carlos, in northern Costa Rica (February 2004) and one in Managua, Nicaragua (June 2004). To date, the Latin American Water Tribunal has received 58 cases and has handled more than 250 consultations.

Denounse here.

Buenos Aires will hold the next public hearing.

A committee from the Latin America Water Tribunal (LAWT), formed by its director, Javier Bogantes, and other representatives was in Buenos Aires, June 14th through June 23rd in order to settle strategic issues on the Tribunal´s next public hearing to be held in that city. Read more...

Foro de incidencia del Tribunal Latinoamericano del Agua en la República Mexicana

En afán de establecer un espacio de discusión en donde se puedan dirimir controversias relacionadas con la afectación al agua en la Republica Mexicana... Leer Más

Foro en San José, Costa Rica.

Como parte de las actividades de seguimiento en América Central, el Tribunal Latinoamericano del Agua realizó un foro de incidencia en relación a casos... Leer Más