India’s decision to place the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance has raised concerns over the water security, agriculture and livelihoods of millions dependent on the Indus Basin, experts warned at a Geneva event on Friday.

The concerns were discussed at a side event titled “Water Justice and Climate Resilience” held on the margins of the 63rd session of the UN Human Rights Council, which runs from September 7 to October 7, Bloom Pakistan reported.

The Permanent Court of Arbitration, which administers proceedings over the treaty, has determined that the treaty remains in force despite India’s decision. India has rejected the arbitration process, while Pakistan cites the court’s position in support of its stance that the agreement remains effective.

Rashida Abbas, a PhD candidate at the University of Geneva, told the event that rivers should not be viewed solely as matters between states. “Rivers are not experienced only by states,” she said. “They are experienced by people.”

The six-decade-old treaty faces one of its most serious challenges. India has said the abeyance stands until Pakistan credibly ends support for cross-border terrorism.