The demand for water to support agricultural development in conflict-plagued Afghanistan often results in high-stakes water disputes, according to a new United Nations report, which underscores the need for more effective and transparent means of resolving the differences. As this report clearly outlines, the stakes involved in water disputes are high. Resolving these disputes peacefully is of critical importance. Outlining the importance of water to the country's economy, the UNAMA report, titled Water Rights: An Assessment of Afghanistan's Legal Framework Governing Water for Agriculture report, notes that formal and informal means are used to resolve water-related disputes in the country, including the 2009 Water Law, along with traditional customs and practices associated with the longstanding authority and community respect for water masters, or mirabs.