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‭International Law by Arees Khan Mangi‬
‭International law, and its evolution‬
‭Define International law‬
‭●‬ ‭Definitions‬
I‭nternational law, as defined by experts, refers to a system of rules, principles, and‬
‭norms that govern the relations between sovereign states and other international actors,‬
‭such as international organizations and individuals. It is a complex and dynamic body of‬
‭law that addresses a wide range of issues, including diplomacy, human rights, trade,‬
‭armed conflict, environmental protection, and more. International law provides the‬
‭framework for cooperation, peaceful resolution of disputes, and the promotion of‬
‭common interests in the global community.‬
‭According to eminent legal scholars and experts:‬
‭1.‬ P
‭ hilip C. Jessup:‬‭"International law is the body of‬‭rules which are legally binding‬
‭on States in their intercourse with each other. These rules are primarily those‬
‭which govern the conduct of sovereign States and their relations inter se."‬
‭2.‬ ‭Hersch Lauterpacht:‬‭"International law is not a moral‬‭or political imperative but‬
‭something that transcends human volition and exists as a system in itself,‬
‭deriving its force from its own principles and rules."‬
‭3.‬ ‭James Crawford:‬‭"International law is the body of‬‭law that is formed through the‬
‭interaction of states, international organizations, and individuals. It encompasses‬
‭both written treaties and agreements, and customary practices that have been‬
‭accepted as legal norms by states."‬
‭4.‬ ‭Martti Koskenniemi:‬‭"International law is an ongoing‬‭conversation among‬
‭participants about the legal norms that apply to their conduct. It is a reflection of‬
‭the values, power structures, and historical contexts of the international‬
‭community."‬
‭ ‬ ‭These definitions capture the essence of international law as a binding legal framework‬
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‭that shapes the behavior of states and other international entities, promoting order,‬
‭cooperation, and justice in the global arena.‬
‭●‬ ‭theories‬
‭1.‬ ‭Natural vs positivist‬
‭Positivism:‬
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‭International Law by Arees Khan Mangi‬
‭1.‬ ‭Source of Law:‬
‭■‬ ‭Positive Law:‬‭Positivism asserts that law, including‬‭international‬
‭law, derives from social or governmental institutions, such as‬
‭legislation, treaties, and custom. Legal norms exist because they‬
‭have been created and accepted by recognized authorities.‬
‭2.‬ ‭Empirical and Descriptive:‬
‭■‬ ‭Observation and Analysis:‬‭Positivism focuses on describing‬
‭what the law is, based on observable facts and existing legal‬
‭structures. It does not concern itself with evaluating the moral or‬
‭ethical aspects of the law.‬
‭3.‬ ‭Legal Validity:‬
‭■‬ ‭Legal Positivism:‬‭Positivists believe that the validity‬‭of a law is‬
‭determined by its source (i.e., whether it has been enacted by a‬
‭legitimate authority) and not by its moral or ethical content. A law‬
‭is valid if it has been properly promulgated, regardless of its moral‬
‭implications.‬
‭4.‬ ‭Separation of Law and Morality:‬
‭■‬ ‭Morality Not Inherent:‬‭Positivism separates law from‬‭morality.‬
‭Legal norms are distinct from moral norms, and the legitimacy of a‬
‭law does not depend on its conformity with moral principles.‬
‭5.‬ ‭Legal Certainty:‬
‭■‬ ‭Clarity and Predictability:‬‭Positivism emphasizes‬‭the importance‬
‭of clear, predictable, and enforceable legal rules. Legal decisions‬
‭should be based on explicit laws and established precedents.‬
‭2.‬ ‭Natural Law:‬
‭1.‬ ‭Source of Law:‬
‭■‬ ‭Moral and Universal Principles:‬‭Natural law theory‬‭posits that‬
‭law is based on inherent moral and ethical principles that exist in‬
‭nature or are discoverable through reason. These principles are‬
‭universal and apply to all human beings.‬
‭2.‬ ‭Normative and Prescriptive:‬
‭■‬ ‭Evaluative Approach:‬‭Natural law is concerned with‬‭what the law‬
‭ought to be rather than what it is. It evaluates legal norms based‬
‭on their moral and ethical content, emphasizing justice, fairness,‬
‭and human rights.‬
‭3.‬ ‭Objective Morality:‬
‭■‬ ‭Moral Foundation:‬‭Natural law suggests that there‬‭is an objective‬
‭moral order that underpins legal principles. Laws that align with‬
‭this moral order are just and legitimate, while laws contradicting it‬
‭are unjust and should be challenged.‬
‭4.‬ ‭Interconnection of Law and Morality:‬
‭■‬ ‭Inseparable from Morality:‬‭Natural law rejects the‬‭strict‬
‭separation between law and morality. It argues that legal norms‬
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‭International Law by Arees Khan Mangi‬
‭ hould reflect moral values and that laws inconsistent with moral‬
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‭principles lack legitimacy.‬
‭5.‬ ‭Flexibility and Moral Discretion:‬
‭■‬ ‭Contextual Interpretation:‬‭Natural law allows for‬‭interpretation‬
‭and adaptation of legal principles based on moral considerations,‬
‭enabling the law to evolve in response to changing societal‬
‭values.‬
‭3.‬ ‭In summary, positivism emphasizes the empirical, descriptive, and formal aspects‬
‭of law, focusing on its origins and legal validity. Natural law, on the other hand,‬
‭emphasizes the moral and normative foundations of law, asserting that the‬
‭legitimacy of legal norms is determined by their alignment with universal moral‬
‭principles. These contrasting perspectives continue to shape debates in legal‬
‭philosophy and influence the interpretation of laws, including international law.‬
‭●‬ S
‭ everal theories and approaches have been developed to understand and explain the‬
‭nature, origins, and functions of international law. These theories offer different‬
‭perspectives on the foundations and purposes of international legal norms. Here are‬
‭some of the prominent theories of international law:‬
‭1. Natural Law Theory:‬
‭1.‬ B
‭ asis in Natural Law:‬‭This theory posits that certain‬‭principles of justice and‬
‭morality are inherent in nature and can be discerned through reason.‬
‭International law, according to natural law theorists, is derived from these‬
‭universal moral principles.‬
‭●‬ ‭2. Positivism:‬
‭1.‬ B
‭ ased on Positive Law:‬‭Positivism asserts that international‬‭law is derived from‬
‭the consent of states and exists because states have agreed to abide by certain‬
‭rules and norms. Treaties and customary practices form the basis of international‬
‭law according to positivist theorists.‬
‭●‬ ‭3. Legal Realism:‬
‭1.‬ F
‭ ocus on State Interests:‬‭Legal realism emphasizes‬‭the importance of state‬
‭power and interests in shaping international law. According to this perspective,‬
‭international law is a reflection of the actual behavior and power dynamics‬
‭among states, rather than an abstract set of universal principles.‬
‭●‬ ‭4. Institutionalism:‬
‭1.‬ F
‭ ocus on International Organizations:‬‭Institutionalists emphasize the role of‬
‭international organizations and institutions in the creation and enforcement of‬
‭international law. They argue that these entities contribute to the development of‬
‭norms and facilitate cooperation among states.‬
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‭●‬ ‭5. Transnational Legal Theory:‬
‭1.‬ B
‭ eyond State-Centrism:‬‭Transnational legal theory‬‭challenges the traditional‬
‭state-centric view of international law. It recognizes the influence of non-state‬
‭actors, such as corporations, NGOs, and individuals, in shaping and‬
‭implementing international legal norms.‬
‭●‬ ‭6. Critical Legal Studies:‬
‭1.‬ S
‭ ocial and Political Context:‬‭Critical legal scholars‬‭analyze international law‬
‭within broader social, political, and economic contexts. They critique the power‬
‭imbalances and inequalities embedded in international legal systems and explore‬
‭how these structures can reinforce existing social hierarchies.‬
‭●‬ ‭7. Feminist Legal Theory:‬
‭1.‬ G
‭ ender Perspectives:‬‭Feminist legal theory examines‬‭international law through‬
‭the lens of gender, highlighting the ways in which international legal norms can‬
‭perpetuate or challenge gender-based discrimination and inequality.‬
‭●‬ ‭8. Third World Approaches to International Law (TWAIL):‬
‭1.‬ P
‭ ost-Colonial Perspectives:‬‭TWAIL critiques international‬‭law from‬
‭post-colonial and anti-imperialist perspectives. It examines how international law‬
‭has historically served the interests of powerful states and explores alternative‬
‭legal frameworks that promote justice and equality for historically marginalized‬
‭nations and peoples.‬
‭●‬ ‭9. Law and Economics:‬
‭1.‬ E
‭ conomic Efficiency:‬‭This theory applies economic‬‭principles to the analysis of‬
‭international law. It evaluates legal rules and institutions based on their efficiency‬
‭in promoting economic welfare and resource allocation among states.‬
‭●‬ ‭10. Cosmopolitanism:‬
‭1.‬ U
‭ niversal Moral Community:‬‭Cosmopolitanism argues‬‭for a global community‬
‭founded on shared moral principles and obligations. It advocates for the‬
‭recognition of individual rights and responsibilities beyond national borders,‬
‭emphasizing a common humanity.‬
‭ ‬ ‭These theories provide diverse perspectives on the nature and role of international law,‬
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‭reflecting the complexity and multidimensionality of the field. Scholars often draw on‬
‭multiple theories to analyze and interpret international legal developments, considering‬
‭the interplay of various factors and actors in the international arena.‬
‭ .‬ A
1
‭ ustin’s theory of legal positivism‬
‭2.‬ ‭Consent theory‬
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‭International Law by Arees Khan Mangi‬
‭ .‬ ‭Natural law theory‬
3
‭ ‬ ‭Important terms‬
●
‭ .‬
1
‭2.‬
‭3.‬
‭4.‬
‭5.‬
‭6.‬
‭ us Genitium: The law of the states‬
J
‭Jus Cogen: The principles which forms the norms of international law‬
‭Salus Populi suprema lex : welfare of the people is the supreme law‬
‭Opinio Juris: Opinion of law, action carried due to legal obligation‬
‭Expositors: Those who explain law‬
‭Natural law: body of unchanging natural principles by virtue of human conduct‬
‭Nature's origin and basis of international law‬
‭Nature of International Law:‬
‭1.‬ ‭Primary Sources:‬
‭○‬ ‭Treaties:‬‭International agreements between states‬‭are a fundamental source of‬
‭international law. Treaties can be bilateral (between two states) or multilateral‬
‭(involving multiple states).‬
‭○‬ ‭Customary International Law:‬‭This arises from the‬‭consistent practice of states‬
‭followed by a belief that such practice is legally obligatory (opinio juris).‬
‭Customary international law develops over time as states engage in similar‬
‭practices universally.‬
‭○‬ ‭General Principles of Law:‬‭Common legal principles‬‭recognized by civilized‬
‭nations are considered as a source of international law.‬
‭○‬ ‭Judicial Decisions and Teachings of Publicists:‬‭While‬‭not legally binding in‬
‭themselves, decisions of international tribunals and writings of legal scholars‬
‭contribute to the development and understanding of international law.‬
‭2.‬ ‭Subjects of International Law:‬
‭○‬ ‭States:‬‭Primary subjects of international law. States‬‭have rights and‬
‭responsibilities under international law.‬
‭○‬ ‭International Organizations:‬‭Entities like the United‬‭Nations and its specialized‬
‭agencies are subjects of international law and have specific roles and‬
‭responsibilities.‬
‭○‬ ‭Individuals:‬‭Increasingly, individuals can be held‬‭accountable under international‬
‭law, especially for crimes such as genocide, war crimes, and crimes against‬
‭humanity.‬
‭Origin of International Law:‬
‭ he origins of international law can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where treaties and‬
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‭agreements between states and tribes were common. However, the modern system of‬
‭international law began to take shape during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance in Europe.‬
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‭International Law by Arees Khan Mangi‬
‭1.‬ P
‭ eace Treaties:‬‭Treaties ending wars between European states established principles‬
‭of state sovereignty and non-intervention, forming the basis of modern international law.‬
‭2.‬ ‭Treaty of Westphalia (1648):‬‭Often cited as the beginning‬‭of the modern state system,‬
‭this treaty ended the Thirty Years' War in Europe and is considered a cornerstone of‬
‭international law. It emphasized the principle of state sovereignty.‬
‭3.‬ ‭Colonial Expansion:‬‭The interactions between European‬‭powers and non-European‬
‭civilizations led to the development of rules governing relations between different‬
‭cultures and states.‬
‭Basis of International Law:‬
‭1.‬ C
‭ onsent:‬‭States are bound by international law because‬‭they consent to be bound. This‬
‭can occur through treaty negotiations and ratifications. States voluntarily enter into‬
‭agreements and are expected to abide by them.‬
‭2.‬ ‭Custom:‬‭Customary international law arises from the‬‭consistent practice of states‬
‭followed by a belief that such practice is legally obligatory. Customary rules become‬
‭binding when states follow them out of a sense of legal obligation (opinio juris).‬
‭3.‬ ‭Peremptory Norms (Jus Cogens):‬‭These are fundamental‬‭principles of international‬
‭law that are accepted and recognized by the international community as a whole. They‬
‭are norms from which no derogation is permitted and are considered universally binding.‬
‭4.‬ ‭Judicial Decisions:‬‭Decisions of international courts‬‭and tribunals contribute to the‬
‭development and interpretation of international law, especially in areas like human rights‬
‭and international disputes.‬
‭5.‬ ‭Soft Law:‬‭Though not legally binding, soft law instruments‬‭like declarations, resolutions,‬
‭and guidelines can influence state behavior and contribute to the development of‬
‭customary international law.‬
I‭n summary, international law's nature, origin, and basis are rooted in historical practices,‬
‭treaties, customary norms, and the consent of states. It continues to evolve as states and‬
‭international actors navigate the complexities of global relations.‬
‭Theories for the basis:‬
‭ .‬ N
1
‭ atural law theory:‬
‭2.‬ ‭Consent theory:‬
‭Emergence‬
‭ he emergence of international law can be traced back over centuries, evolving through various‬
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‭historical events and developments. Here is an overview of key milestones in the emergence of‬
‭international law:‬
‭ .‬ T
1
‭ he prehistory of international law (Antiquity and the European Middle Ages);‬
‭2.‬ ‭Classical international law (1648-1919);‬
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‭ .‬ T
3
‭ he transition from classical to the modern international law (1919–1945); and‬
‭4.‬ ‭Modern international law (1945 to present).‬
‭Ancient and Medieval Periods:‬
‭1.‬ A
‭ ncient Civilizations:‬‭Ancient civilizations, such‬‭as Mesopotamia and Egypt, had‬
‭rudimentary forms of treaties and agreements between city-states and kingdoms. These‬
‭agreements governed trade, border disputes, and alliances.‬
‭2.‬ ‭Greek City-States:‬‭Greek city-states, including Athens‬‭and Sparta, had treaties and‬
‭alliances, setting early examples of interstate agreements.‬
‭3.‬ ‭Roman Law:‬‭The Roman Empire contributed significantly‬‭to the development of legal‬
‭principles, including the concept of jus gentium (law of nations), which applied to‬
‭interactions between Romans and non-Romans.‬
‭Middle Ages and Renaissance:‬
‭1.‬ P
‭ eace Treaties and Diplomacy:‬‭Medieval Europe saw‬‭the emergence of formal peace‬
‭treaties, regulating conflicts between feudal lords and kingdoms. The Treaty of‬
‭Westphalia in 1648, ending the Thirty Years' War, is often cited as a foundational‬
‭moment for modern international law, emphasizing state sovereignty and‬
‭non-interference in domestic affairs.‬
‭2.‬ ‭Canon Law:‬‭The Catholic Church's canon law influenced‬‭medieval Europe and‬
‭contributed to the development of legal principles governing ecclesiastical and secular‬
‭relationships.‬
‭Age of Exploration and Colonialism:‬
‭1.‬ I‭nteractions with Non-European Civilizations:‬‭European‬‭powers established legal‬
‭frameworks to regulate interactions with non-European civilizations during the age of‬
‭exploration and colonialism. Treaties and agreements were formed, setting rules for‬
‭trade, territorial claims, and diplomatic relations.‬
‭18th and 19th Centuries:‬
‭1.‬ E
‭ mergence of Diplomatic Immunity:‬‭The concept of diplomatic‬‭immunity gained‬
‭prominence during this period, providing diplomats with protection from prosecution and‬
‭ensuring the smooth conduct of international relations.‬
‭2.‬ ‭Development of Treaties and Conventions:‬‭The 19th century witnessed the‬
‭proliferation of treaties and conventions, regulating various aspects of international‬
‭relations, including trade, navigation, and laws of war.‬
‭Post-World War I and World War II:‬
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‭International Law by Arees Khan Mangi‬
‭1.‬ L
‭ eague of Nations:‬‭The League of Nations, established after World War I, aimed to‬
‭promote peace and cooperation among states. Although it had limitations, it laid the‬
‭groundwork for the United Nations and contributed to the development of international‬
‭law principles.‬
‭2.‬ ‭United Nations:‬‭The United Nations, founded in 1945‬‭after World War II, became a‬
‭central institution for the development and enforcement of international law. The UN‬
‭Charter established principles of collective security, self-determination, and respect for‬
‭human rights.‬
‭Contemporary Developments:‬
‭1.‬ H
‭ uman Rights:‬‭The post-World War II era saw the codification‬‭and global recognition of‬
‭human rights through documents like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948)‬
‭and subsequent international human rights treaties.‬
‭2.‬ ‭International Criminal Law:‬‭International tribunals,‬‭such as the International Criminal‬
‭Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and the International Criminal Court (ICC),‬
‭were established to prosecute individuals for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and‬
‭genocide, reinforcing the notion of individual accountability under international law.‬
‭3.‬ ‭Environmental Law:‬‭With the rise of global environmental‬‭challenges, international‬
‭environmental agreements and conventions have been developed to address issues like‬
‭climate change, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development.‬
‭ he emergence of international law reflects the changing dynamics of global interactions, the‬
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‭need for regulating interstate relations, and the recognition of common principles and values‬
‭shared by the international community. It continues to evolve in response to new challenges and‬
‭opportunities in the contemporary world.‬
‭Early European authors‬
‭ arly European authors played a significant role in shaping the foundations of international law‬
E
‭through their writings and contributions. Some of the key figures in the early development of‬
‭international law include:‬
‭1.‬ H
‭ ugo Grotius (1583-1645):‬‭Often referred to as the‬‭"father of international law," Grotius‬
‭was a Dutch jurist and philosopher. His seminal work, "De Jure Belli ac Pacis" (On the‬
‭Law of War and Peace), published in 1625, laid the groundwork for modern international‬
‭law. In this work, Grotius discussed the principles of just war, the concept of natural law,‬
‭and the idea that certain laws apply to nations in times of peace and war.‬
‭2.‬ ‭Francisco de Vitoria (1483-1546):‬‭A Spanish Dominican friar and theologian, Vitoria is‬
‭considered one of the founding figures of international law. He is known for his lectures‬
‭and writings on the rights of indigenous peoples and the justifications for Spanish‬
‭colonial activities in the Americas. His works emphasized the importance of respecting‬
‭the sovereignty and rights of indigenous peoples.‬
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‭International Law by Arees Khan Mangi‬
‭3.‬ A
‭ lberico Gentili (1552-1608):‬‭An Italian jurist who spent much of his academic and‬
‭professional life in England, Gentili wrote extensively on international law. His notable‬
‭works include "De Jure Belli" (On the Laws of War) and "De Legationibus" (On‬
‭Embassies), where he discussed the rights and duties of diplomats and the laws of war.‬
‭4.‬ ‭Emmerich de Vattel (1714-1767):‬‭A Swiss philosopher‬‭and legal theorist, Vattel's work‬
‭"Le Droit des Gens" (The Law of Nations) was published in 1758. This influential book‬
‭discussed the principles of international law, state sovereignty, and the rights and duties‬
‭of states and individuals. Vattel's ideas greatly influenced the framers of the United‬
‭States Constitution.‬
‭5.‬ ‭Christian Wolff (1679-1754):‬‭A German philosopher,‬‭Wolff made significant‬
‭contributions to the understanding of international law in his work "Jus Gentium Methodo‬
‭Scientifica Pertractatum" (The Law of Nations Treated According to a Scientific Method).‬
‭He emphasized the idea of a global community governed by natural laws and discussed‬
‭the legal principles governing states' interactions.‬
‭6.‬ ‭Emer de Vattel (1713-1767):‬‭Another Swiss jurist,‬‭Vattel is known for his work "Le Droit‬
‭des Gens" (The Law of Nations). While sharing a similar title with Emmerich de Vattel's‬
‭work, Emer de Vattel's book provided practical insights into the conduct of states in‬
‭international relations, emphasizing the importance of diplomacy and treaties.‬
‭ hese early European authors laid the intellectual foundations for the modern discipline of‬
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‭international law, influencing subsequent generations of scholars and policymakers. Their works‬
‭continue to be studied and referenced in the field of international law today‬
‭Nation-state system‬
‭ he nation-state system, also known as the state system, is a fundamental concept in‬
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‭international law. It refers to the organization of the world into sovereign states, each having its‬
‭own government, territory, population, and capacity to enter into relations with other states. The‬
‭nation-state system forms the basis for modern international law and diplomacy. Here are key‬
‭aspects of the nation-state system in international law:‬
‭1. Sovereignty:‬
‭●‬ S
‭ tate Sovereignty:‬‭Each state is considered sovereign,‬‭meaning it has the supreme‬
‭authority and independence to govern its territory and conduct its affairs without‬
‭interference from other states.‬
‭●‬ ‭Recognition of Sovereignty:‬‭States are recognized‬‭as sovereign entities by other‬
‭states, implying mutual respect for each other's territorial integrity and political‬
‭independence.‬
‭2. Territorial Integrity:‬
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‭●‬ T
‭ erritorial Boundaries:‬‭States have clearly defined territorial boundaries, which are‬
‭internationally recognized. Changes to these boundaries typically require mutual‬
‭agreement or adherence to international law principles, such as self-determination.‬
‭3. International Legal Personality:‬
‭●‬ S
‭ ubject of International Law:‬‭States are recognized‬‭as subjects of international law,‬
‭meaning they have legal personality and can enter into agreements, treaties, and‬
‭conventions with other states and international organizations.‬
‭4. Diplomatic Relations:‬
‭●‬ B
‭ ilateral and Multilateral Relations:‬‭States engage‬‭in diplomatic relations with each‬
‭other, establishing embassies and consulates to facilitate communication and‬
‭cooperation.‬
‭●‬ ‭Recognition of Governments:‬‭States recognize the governments‬‭of other states, which‬
‭is crucial for establishing diplomatic ties.‬
‭5. International Treaties and Agreements:‬
‭●‬ T
‭ reaties:‬‭States can enter into treaties and agreements‬‭with each other, creating binding‬
‭obligations under international law. Treaties are a primary means by which states‬
‭regulate their relations.‬
‭●‬ ‭Customary International Law:‬‭State practices and behaviors‬‭over time can establish‬
‭customary international law, which is binding on states as a matter of legal obligation.‬
‭6. State Responsibility:‬
‭●‬ R
‭ esponsibility for Violations:‬‭States can be held‬‭responsible under international law‬
‭for their actions, including violations of human rights, breach of treaties, or acts of‬
‭aggression. State responsibility implies accountability for wrongful conduct.‬
‭7. Intergovernmental Organizations:‬
‭●‬ S
‭ overeign Participation:‬‭States can voluntarily join‬‭intergovernmental organizations‬
‭(IGOs) such as the United Nations, the European Union, and regional bodies, pooling‬
‭some of their sovereignty for common goals while retaining their status as sovereign‬
‭entities.‬
‭8. Non-Intervention:‬
‭●‬ N
‭ on-Intervention Principle:‬‭States are expected to respect the sovereignty and‬
‭independence of other states. The principle of non-intervention prohibits states from‬
‭interfering in the domestic affairs of other states.‬
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‭ he nation-state system provides the framework within which international law operates. It is‬
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‭essential for maintaining global order, fostering peaceful relations among states, and promoting‬
‭cooperation in various fields, including trade, security, and human rights. While the concept of‬
‭the nation-state has evolved over time, it remains a fundamental building block of the‬
‭international legal system.‬
‭Enforcement‬
‭●‬ ‭Theories of implementation: monoistic vs dualistic‬
‭1.‬ ‭Monistic theory : no implemntation required as international law is overriding.‬
‭examples US and UK‬
‭2.‬ ‭Dualistic theory : implementation of legislation is required‬
‭ he enforcement of international law is a complex and multifaceted process that involves‬
T
‭various mechanisms and actors. Unlike domestic legal systems, international law lacks a‬
‭centralized enforcement authority, such as a global police force or a universal court with‬
‭jurisdiction over all cases. Instead, international law relies on a combination of voluntary‬
‭compliance, diplomatic efforts, international organizations, and judicial mechanisms to ensure‬
‭adherence to its principles and rules. We could also say it’s based on coordination rather than‬
‭subordination as all countries are sovereign nations. Here are the main methods of enforcing‬
‭international law:‬
‭1. Diplomatic and Political Pressure:‬
‭●‬ D
‭ ialogue and Negotiation:‬‭States often resolve disputes‬‭through diplomatic‬
‭negotiations, addressing concerns and finding mutually agreeable solutions to comply‬
‭with international law.‬
‭●‬ ‭Sanctions:‬‭The international community, usually through‬‭the United Nations Security‬
‭Council, can impose economic and diplomatic sanctions on states or entities that violate‬
‭international norms. Sanctions are used as a coercive measure to encourage‬
‭compliance.‬
‭2. International Courts and Tribunals:‬
‭●‬ I‭nternational Court of Justice (ICJ):‬‭The ICJ is the‬‭principal judicial organ of the United‬
‭Nations. States can bring cases before the ICJ, and its judgments are binding on the‬
‭parties involved. However, ICJ jurisdiction requires the consent of states.‬
‭●‬ ‭International Criminal Court (ICC):‬‭The ICC prosecutes‬‭individuals for the most‬
‭serious international crimes, including genocide, crimes against humanity, and war‬
‭crimes. While states are parties to the ICC, individuals, including government officials,‬
‭can be held accountable under its jurisdiction.‬
‭3. Ad Hoc and Hybrid Tribunals:‬
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‭●‬ A
‭ d Hoc Tribunals:‬‭Specialized tribunals, such as the‬‭International Criminal Tribunal for‬
‭the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR),‬
‭were established to address specific conflicts and prosecute individuals for crimes‬
‭committed during those conflicts.‬
‭●‬ ‭Hybrid Tribunals:‬‭These are international courts established‬‭by both international and‬
‭domestic authorities to address crimes within a specific country. An example is the‬
‭Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC).‬
‭4. Regional Human Rights Courts:‬
‭●‬ E
‭ uropean Court of Human Rights:‬‭The European system‬‭includes the European Court‬
‭of Human Rights, which hears cases related to human rights violations in European‬
‭states.‬
‭●‬ ‭Inter-American Court of Human Rights:‬‭This court oversees‬‭human rights matters in‬
‭the Americas, ensuring compliance with the American Convention on Human Rights.‬
‭5. International Organizations and Treaties:‬
‭●‬ M
‭ onitoring Bodies:‬‭International organizations create‬‭committees and bodies to‬
‭monitor compliance with treaties and conventions. States parties submit regular reports‬
‭on their implementation efforts.‬
‭●‬ ‭Universal Periodic Review (UPR):‬‭The UPR process,‬‭conducted by the UN Human‬
‭Rights Council, assesses the human rights records of all UN Member States. States‬
‭make voluntary commitments to improve their human rights situations.‬
‭6. State Responsibility and Accountability:‬
‭●‬ R
‭ esponsibility of States:‬‭States are internationally‬‭responsible for their wrongful acts‬
‭and can be held accountable by other states, either through diplomatic means,‬
‭arbitration, or adjudication.‬
‭●‬ ‭Individual Criminal Responsibility:‬‭Individuals, including‬‭state officials, can be‬
‭prosecuted for international crimes before international or domestic courts, emphasizing‬
‭personal accountability.‬
‭7. Customary International Law and General Principles:‬
‭●‬ S
‭ tate Practice and Opinio Juris:‬‭Customary international‬‭law evolves through‬
‭consistent state practice and a belief (opinio juris) that such practice is legally obligatory.‬
‭States can be held accountable based on customary international law norms.‬
‭●‬ ‭General Principles of Law:‬‭Certain general legal principles accepted by civilized‬
‭nations are considered sources of international law. These principles can guide‬
‭decisions in the absence of specific treaty provisions or customary rules.‬
‭8. Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Advocacy Groups:‬
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‭●‬ N
‭ GO Advocacy:‬‭NGOs play a crucial role in advocating‬‭for international law‬
‭compliance. They can raise awareness, document violations, and pressure governments‬
‭to uphold international norms.‬
‭9. Collective Security Mechanisms:‬
‭●‬ U
‭ nited Nations Security Council:‬‭The Security Council‬‭has the authority to enforce‬
‭international peace and security. It can authorize military interventions, sanctions, or‬
‭peacekeeping missions in response to threats to international peace.‬
I‭t's important to note that the effectiveness of international law enforcement often depends on‬
‭political will, cooperation among states, and the willingness of the international community to‬
‭uphold the rule of law. Enforcement mechanisms continue to evolve as the international legal‬
‭system adapts to new challenges and developments in the global landscape.‬
‭Effectiveness‬
‭ he effectiveness of international law is a topic of ongoing debate and analysis. Several factors‬
T
‭contribute to the effectiveness of international law, and its impact varies depending on the‬
‭context, the specific legal issue, and the willingness of states and other actors to comply. Here‬
‭are some key points regarding the effectiveness of international law:‬
‭1. Voluntary Compliance:‬
‭●‬ C
‭ onsent-Based System:‬‭International law operates on‬‭the principle of sovereign states‬
‭voluntarily consenting to be bound by treaties and customary practices. Compliance‬
‭depends on states' willingness to adhere to these agreements.‬
‭2. Normative Influence:‬
‭●‬ S
‭ haping State Behavior:‬‭International law establishes‬‭norms and standards that shape‬
‭state behavior. It can influence domestic laws and policies, leading to changes in areas‬
‭such as human rights, environmental protection, and trade practices.‬
‭3. Dispute Resolution:‬
‭●‬ P
‭ eaceful Dispute Settlement:‬‭International law provides mechanisms for peaceful‬
‭resolution of disputes, including negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and adjudication.‬
‭These processes contribute to the resolution of conflicts between states.‬
‭4. Human Rights and Accountability:‬
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‭International Law by Arees Khan Mangi‬
‭●‬ P
‭ romoting Human Rights:‬‭International human rights treaties and conventions‬
‭establish fundamental rights and hold states accountable for violations. They provide a‬
‭basis for advocacy and legal action against human rights abuses.‬
‭●‬ ‭Individual Accountability:‬‭International criminal‬‭tribunals, such as the International‬
‭Criminal Court (ICC), hold individuals accountable for war crimes, genocide, and crimes‬
‭against humanity, promoting a culture of accountability.‬
‭5. Environmental Protection:‬
‭●‬ G
‭ lobal Environmental Agreements:‬‭International environmental‬‭treaties address‬
‭issues like climate change, biodiversity conservation, and pollution. While challenges‬
‭persist, these agreements foster cooperation and coordinated action on a global scale.‬
‭6. Trade and Economic Relations:‬
‭●‬ W
‭ TO and Trade Agreements:‬‭The World Trade Organization‬‭(WTO) oversees‬
‭international trade rules, promoting trade liberalization, reducing trade barriers, and‬
‭resolving trade disputes among member states.‬
‭7. Deterrence and Security:‬
‭●‬ D
‭ eterrence:‬‭International law, particularly in arms‬‭control and non-proliferation areas,‬
‭aims to deter states from engaging in aggressive or destabilizing actions by establishing‬
‭clear rules and consequences for violations.‬
‭●‬ ‭Collective Security:‬‭International law supports collective‬‭security mechanisms, such as‬
‭UN Security Council resolutions, to address threats to international peace and security.‬
‭8. Limitations and Challenges:‬
‭●‬ E
‭ nforcement Challenges:‬‭Limited enforcement mechanisms‬‭can hinder the‬
‭effectiveness of international law, especially when powerful states are involved. The‬
‭enforcement of judgments and decisions from international courts and tribunals can face‬
‭obstacles.‬
‭●‬ ‭State Sovereignty Concerns:‬‭Some states prioritize‬‭national sovereignty over‬
‭international obligations, leading to non-compliance or selective compliance with‬
‭international norms.‬
‭●‬ ‭Cultural and Legal Diversity:‬‭Differences in legal systems, cultural norms, and‬
‭interpretations of international law can create challenges in achieving universal‬
‭adherence to certain principles.‬
‭9. Soft Law and Norm Entrepreneurship:‬
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‭●‬ S
‭ oft Law Instruments:‬‭Non-binding agreements, declarations, and codes of conduct‬
‭(soft law) can influence state behavior and pave the way for the development of binding‬
‭international norms.‬
‭●‬ ‭Norm Entrepreneurship:‬‭Advocacy groups, academics,‬‭and international organizations‬
‭play a role in shaping norms and pushing for new areas of international regulation,‬
‭leading to the evolution of international law.‬
I‭n summary, the effectiveness of international law depends on a combination of factors,‬
‭including state willingness to comply, the existence of clear norms and mechanisms, the efforts‬
‭of international organizations and advocacy groups, and evolving global attitudes toward shared‬
‭challenges. While international law faces challenges and limitations, it continues to play a vital‬
‭role in shaping the behavior of states and other actors in the global arena.‬
‭Weakness/criticism‬
‭●‬ ‭Weakness‬
I‭nternational law, while essential in promoting global cooperation and addressing‬
‭common challenges, has several weaknesses that impact its effectiveness and‬
‭implementation. Here are some of the key weaknesses of international law:‬
‭1. Lack of Enforcement Mechanisms:‬
‭○‬ L
‭ imited Enforcement:‬‭International law lacks a centralized‬‭enforcement‬
‭mechanism. While there are international courts and tribunals, their decisions are‬
‭not always enforceable, relying on the willingness of states to comply voluntarily.‬
‭○‬ ‭Power Disparities:‬‭Powerful states can often act with‬‭impunity, challenging the‬
‭perceived fairness and equality in the enforcement of international legal‬
‭standards.‬
‭●‬ ‭2. State Sovereignty Concerns:‬
‭○‬ S
‭ overeignty Challenges:‬‭States are often reluctant‬‭to cede their sovereignty to‬
‭international bodies, leading to challenges in implementing and enforcing‬
‭international laws, particularly when they conflict with domestic interests or‬
‭policies.‬
‭○‬ ‭Selective Compliance:‬‭States may selectively comply with international‬
‭obligations, choosing which treaties or norms to adhere to based on their‬
‭interests.‬
‭●‬ ‭3. Cultural and Legal Diversity:‬
‭○‬ D
‭ iverse Legal Systems:‬‭Different legal traditions‬‭and cultural norms worldwide‬
‭create challenges in achieving universal acceptance and understanding of‬
‭international laws and standards.‬
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‭International Law by Arees Khan Mangi‬
‭○‬ C
‭ ultural Relativism:‬‭Discrepancies in cultural values‬‭and norms can lead to‬
‭disagreements on human rights and social issues, making it difficult to establish‬
‭universally applicable standards.‬
‭●‬ ‭4. Complexity and Ambiguity:‬
‭○‬ C
‭ omplex Language:‬‭International legal texts are often‬‭complex and technical,‬
‭making them challenging to interpret and implement, especially for states with‬
‭limited legal expertise.‬
‭○‬ ‭Ambiguity:‬‭The wording of treaties and agreements‬‭can be ambiguous, leading‬
‭to varying interpretations and creating legal loopholes.‬
‭●‬ ‭5. Limited Scope of International Law:‬
‭○‬ S
‭ tate-Centric Focus:‬‭International law primarily focuses‬‭on regulating the‬
‭behavior of states, which can be insufficient in addressing issues involving‬
‭non-state actors, such as multinational corporations and non-governmental‬
‭organizations.‬
‭○‬ ‭Gaps in Regulation:‬‭Certain areas, such as cybercrime‬‭and emerging‬
‭technologies, lack comprehensive international legal frameworks, leaving room‬
‭for exploitation and illegal activities.‬
‭●‬ ‭6. Political Influence and Geopolitics:‬
‭○‬ P
‭ olitical Considerations:‬‭Political considerations‬‭often influence international‬
‭decision-making, leading to diplomatic compromises that might not fully align with‬
‭legal principles.‬
‭○‬ ‭Geopolitical Power Dynamics:‬‭Geopolitical power imbalances‬‭can affect the‬
‭enforcement of international law, especially in cases involving powerful states‬
‭and their interests.‬
‭●‬ ‭7. Inadequate Institutions and Resources:‬
‭○‬ L
‭ imited Institutional Capacity:‬‭International organizations‬‭and institutions may‬
‭lack the resources and authority needed to effectively monitor and enforce‬
‭compliance with international laws.‬
‭○‬ ‭Resource Constraints:‬‭States, particularly developing ones, may lack the‬
‭resources necessary to implement international laws fully, hindering their ability‬
‭to meet their obligations.‬
‭●‬ ‭8. Slow Pace of Change:‬
‭○‬ A
‭ daptation Challenges:‬‭The slow pace at which international‬‭law evolves can‬
‭make it challenging to address rapidly changing global issues, such as‬
‭technological advancements and emerging threats.‬
‭ ‬ ‭Addressing these weaknesses requires ongoing efforts to strengthen international‬
●
‭institutions, enhance enforcement mechanisms, promote cooperation between states,‬
‭16‬
‭International Law by Arees Khan Mangi‬
‭ nd bridge cultural and legal differences to create a more effective and equitable‬
a
‭international legal framework.‬
‭●‬ ‭Criticism‬
I‭nternational law, despite its significance and widespread acceptance, has faced various‬
‭criticisms over the years. Some of the main criticisms include:‬
‭1. Lack of Enforcement:‬
‭○‬ L
‭ imited Enforcement Mechanisms:‬‭International law‬‭lacks a centralized‬
‭enforcement authority. While there are international courts and tribunals, their‬
‭jurisdiction is often limited, and enforcement relies heavily on states' willingness‬
‭to comply.‬
‭○‬ ‭Selective Enforcement:‬‭Powerful states are often seen‬‭as able to act with‬
‭impunity, leading to perceptions of bias and unequal application of international‬
‭legal standards.‬
‭●‬ ‭2. Sovereignty and Intervention:‬
‭○‬ S
‭ overeignty Concerns:‬‭Some states are wary of international‬‭law infringing on‬
‭their sovereignty. They may resist international interventions, viewing them as‬
‭interference in domestic affairs.‬
‭○‬ ‭Humanitarian Interventions:‬‭The concept of humanitarian‬‭intervention, where‬
‭states or international organizations intervene in another state to protect civilians,‬
‭is controversial. Debates arise over the legitimacy of such actions and their‬
‭compliance with international law.‬
‭●‬ ‭3. Inequality and Neo-Colonialism:‬
‭○‬ G
‭ lobal Inequality:‬‭Critics argue that international‬‭law tends to favor powerful‬
‭states and multinational corporations, perpetuating global inequalities.‬
‭Developing nations often face challenges in participating equally in international‬
‭legal processes.‬
‭○‬ ‭Historical Injustices:‬‭The legacy of colonialism and historical injustices continue‬
‭to affect international relations. Some argue that international law inadequately‬
‭addresses these historical wrongs.‬
‭●‬ ‭4. Cultural Relativism:‬
‭○‬ C
‭ ultural Differences:‬‭Different cultures have diverse‬‭norms and values. Critics‬
‭argue that imposing Western-centric legal standards globally can lead to cultural‬
‭imperialism and may not always be appropriate or effective.‬
‭●‬ ‭5. Effectiveness and Reform:‬
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‭International Law by Arees Khan Mangi‬
‭○‬ I‭neffectiveness in Conflict Resolution:‬‭International‬‭law has limitations in‬
‭resolving complex conflicts, especially those involving deep-rooted political,‬
‭ethnic, or religious tensions.‬
‭○‬ ‭Need for Reform:‬‭Some critics call for reforms in‬‭existing international legal‬
‭structures, advocating for changes in the composition and powers of international‬
‭organizations to better address current global challenges.‬
‭●‬ ‭6. Commercial Interests and Environmental Concerns:‬
‭○‬ C
‭ orporate Influence:‬‭Multinational corporations can‬‭exploit gaps in international‬
‭regulations, leading to environmental degradation and human rights abuses.‬
‭Critics argue that international law should do more to hold corporations‬
‭accountable.‬
‭○‬ ‭Environmental Concerns:‬‭While there are international‬‭environmental‬
‭agreements, some critics contend that these agreements are insufficient to‬
‭address pressing global environmental issues such as climate change.‬
‭●‬ ‭7. Complexity and Inaccessibility:‬
‭○‬ C
‭ omplex Legal Language:‬‭The complexity of international‬‭legal texts can make‬
‭them difficult to interpret, hindering understanding and compliance, particularly‬
‭for smaller or less economically developed states.‬
‭○‬ ‭Inaccessibility:‬‭Limited access to legal resources‬‭and expertise in some regions‬
‭can pose challenges for states and individuals in understanding and navigating‬
‭international legal processes.‬
‭●‬ ‭8. Inadequate Protection of Vulnerable Groups:‬
‭○‬ L
‭ imited Protections:‬‭Some argue that international‬‭law does not provide‬
‭adequate protection for vulnerable groups, including refugees, migrants, and‬
‭minorities, leading to human rights violations and displacement.‬
‭ ‬ ‭It's important to note that these criticisms highlight areas where international law faces‬
●
‭challenges, and ongoing efforts are made by scholars, policymakers, and international‬
‭organizations to address these concerns and improve the effectiveness and fairness of‬
‭the international legal system.‬
‭Judicial basis‬
‭ he judicial basis of international law refers to the legal framework and institutions that interpret,‬
T
‭apply, and enforce international law. While international law lacks a centralized judicial system‬
‭comparable to domestic legal systems, there are several international and regional courts and‬
‭tribunals that play a crucial role in the development and application of international law. Here are‬
‭some key elements of the judicial basis of international law:‬
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‭International Law by Arees Khan Mangi‬
‭1. International Court of Justice (ICJ):‬
‭●‬ T
‭ he‬‭ICJ‬‭is the principal judicial organ of the United‬‭Nations. It settles legal disputes‬
‭between states and gives advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by the UN‬
‭General Assembly, UN Security Council, or specialized UN agencies. States must‬
‭consent to the ICJ's jurisdiction for a case to be heard.‬
‭2. International Criminal Court (ICC):‬
‭●‬ T
‭ he‬‭ICC‬‭is the first permanent international court‬‭established to prosecute individuals for‬
‭the most serious international crimes, including genocide, crimes against humanity, war‬
‭crimes, and aggression. The ICC can hold individuals accountable for their actions, even‬
‭if they are acting on behalf of a state.‬
‭3. Specialized International Criminal Tribunals:‬
‭●‬ I‭CTY and ICTR:‬‭The International Criminal Tribunal‬‭for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY)‬
‭and the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) were ad hoc international‬
‭criminal tribunals established by the UN Security Council to prosecute individuals‬
‭responsible for serious violations of international humanitarian law during specific‬
‭conflicts.‬
‭4. Regional Courts and Tribunals:‬
‭●‬ E
‭ uropean Court of Human Rights (ECHR):‬‭The ECHR hears‬‭cases related to human‬
‭rights violations in European states that are parties to the European Convention on‬
‭Human Rights.‬
‭●‬ ‭Inter-American Court of Human Rights:‬‭This regional‬‭court oversees human rights‬
‭matters in the Americas, ensuring compliance with the American Convention on Human‬
‭Rights.‬
‭5. Arbitration and Dispute Resolution:‬
‭●‬ I‭nternational Arbitral Tribunals:‬‭States and other international actors often resort to‬
‭arbitration to resolve disputes. Arbitral tribunals can be ad hoc or established under the‬
‭Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague.‬
‭●‬ ‭UNCLOS Tribunal:‬‭The International Tribunal for the‬‭Law of the Sea (ITLOS) and‬
‭Annex VII arbitral tribunals under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea‬
‭(UNCLOS) resolve maritime disputes between states.‬
‭6. Hybrid and Specialized Tribunals:‬
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‭International Law by Arees Khan Mangi‬
‭●‬ H
‭ ybrid Tribunals:‬‭These are international courts established by both international and‬
‭domestic authorities to address crimes within a specific country. Examples include the‬
‭Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC).‬
‭●‬ ‭Specialized Tribunals:‬‭Some international agreements‬‭create specialized tribunals to‬
‭address specific issues, such as trade disputes under the World Trade Organization‬
‭(WTO) or investment disputes under bilateral investment treaties.‬
‭7. Advisory Opinions and Expert Panels:‬
‭●‬ T
‭ he ICJ and other international bodies can provide‬‭advisory opinions‬‭on legal‬
‭questions at the request of the UN General Assembly, UN Security Council, or‬
‭specialized UN agencies.‬
‭●‬ ‭Expert Panels:‬‭In certain cases, expert panels are‬‭appointed to assess specific issues,‬
‭such as weapons inspections or environmental assessments, providing guidance based‬
‭on their expertise.‬
‭ hile these institutions form the judicial basis of international law, it's important to note that their‬
W
‭effectiveness often depends on states' willingness to cooperate, comply with their decisions,‬
‭and support the principles of international law.‬
‭Future‬
‭ he future of international law is shaped by ongoing developments in the global political, social,‬
T
‭economic, and technological landscapes. While it is challenging to predict the future with‬
‭certainty, several trends and areas of focus provide insight into the potential trajectory of‬
‭international law:‬
‭1. Global Challenges and Multilateral Cooperation:‬
‭●‬ C
‭ limate Change:‬‭International law will continue to‬‭evolve to address climate change,‬
‭with an emphasis on global cooperation, emissions reduction targets, adaptation‬
‭measures, and climate justice.‬
‭●‬ ‭Public Health:‬‭Future pandemics and health crises‬‭will necessitate international legal‬
‭frameworks to facilitate coordinated responses, equitable vaccine distribution, and public‬
‭health preparedness.‬
‭●‬ ‭Cybersecurity:‬‭The rise of cyber threats will lead to the development of international‬
‭norms and treaties addressing cybercrime, data privacy, digital rights, and state behavior‬
‭in cyberspace.‬
‭2. Human Rights and Social Justice:‬
‭●‬ S
‭ ocial and Economic Rights:‬‭International law will‬‭focus on promoting social and‬
‭economic rights, including access to education, healthcare, and housing, to address‬
‭global inequalities and improve living standards.‬
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‭International Law by Arees Khan Mangi‬
‭●‬ R
‭ ights of Vulnerable Groups:‬‭Efforts to protect the‬‭rights of refugees, migrants,‬
‭minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other vulnerable groups will remain a key focus,‬
‭emphasizing inclusivity and non-discrimination.‬
‭3. Technological Advancements:‬
‭●‬ A
‭ rtificial Intelligence:‬‭International legal frameworks‬‭will be needed to regulate the‬
‭ethical use of artificial intelligence, automated decision-making, and algorithms,‬
‭addressing concerns related to bias, privacy, and accountability.‬
‭●‬ ‭Biotechnology:‬‭Advances in biotechnology, including‬‭gene editing and biomedicine, will‬
‭raise ethical and legal questions, requiring international cooperation to establish‬
‭guidelines and standards.‬
‭4. Peace, Security, and Conflict Resolution:‬
‭●‬ P
‭ revention and Mediation:‬‭Efforts to prevent conflicts‬‭and promote peaceful resolution‬
‭will be emphasized, with a focus on preventive diplomacy, conflict mediation, and‬
‭addressing the root causes of conflicts.‬
‭●‬ ‭Disarmament:‬‭International law will continue to play‬‭a role in arms control, disarmament‬
‭treaties, and non-proliferation agreements, contributing to global peace and security.‬
‭5. Trade and Economic Relations:‬
‭●‬ D
‭ igital Trade:‬‭International law will adapt to regulate‬‭digital trade, e-commerce, and the‬
‭cross-border flow of data, ensuring consumer protection, intellectual property rights, and‬
‭fair competition.‬
‭●‬ ‭Fair Trade and Sustainable Development:‬‭International‬‭trade agreements will‬
‭increasingly emphasize fair trade practices, environmental sustainability, and social‬
‭responsibility, reflecting global concerns about climate change and social inequality.‬
‭6. Global Governance and International Institutions:‬
‭●‬ R
‭ eform of International Institutions:‬‭Efforts to reform‬‭existing international‬
‭organizations, such as the United Nations and its specialized agencies, will continue to‬
‭enhance their effectiveness, inclusivity, and responsiveness to global challenges.‬
‭●‬ ‭New Multilateral Initiatives:‬‭Flexible and issue-specific coalitions of states and‬
‭organizations will emerge to address specific challenges, filling gaps in existing‬
‭international governance structures.‬
‭7. Legal Technology and Access to Justice:‬
‭●‬ L
‭ egal Tech:‬‭Technology, including blockchain and AI,‬‭will be utilized to enhance legal‬
‭research, document analysis, dispute resolution, and contract enforcement, increasing‬
‭the efficiency and accessibility of legal processes.‬
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‭International Law by Arees Khan Mangi‬
‭●‬ A
‭ ccess to Justice:‬‭Efforts to improve access to justice,‬‭especially for marginalized‬
‭communities, will drive innovations in legal aid, alternative dispute resolution, and‬
‭community-based legal services.‬
‭8. Cultural Heritage and Environmental Protection:‬
‭●‬ C
‭ ultural Heritage Preservation:‬‭International law‬‭will focus on protecting cultural‬
‭heritage sites, artifacts, and indigenous knowledge, addressing issues of cultural‬
‭appropriation and heritage preservation.‬
‭●‬ ‭Biodiversity Conservation:‬‭Strengthened international‬‭legal frameworks will be crucial‬
‭to address biodiversity loss, habitat destruction, and conservation efforts, ensuring the‬
‭sustainable use of natural resources.‬
‭ hile these trends provide a glimpse into the future of international law, the field will continue to‬
W
‭evolve dynamically in response to emerging challenges, technological advancements, and the‬
‭evolving needs of the global community. International law's adaptability and responsiveness will‬
‭play a pivotal role in addressing complex global issues in the years to come.‬
‭Material sources‬
I‭nternational law derives from several material sources, which are the substance and content of‬
‭the law. These sources provide the basis for the rules and principles that govern the behavior of‬
‭states and other international actors. The primary material sources of international law are:‬
‭1. Treaties and Conventions:‬
‭●‬ B
‭ ilateral and Multilateral Treaties:‬‭Treaties are‬‭formal written agreements between‬
‭states or international organizations. Multilateral treaties involve multiple parties. Treaties‬
‭can cover a wide range of issues, such as human rights, trade, environmental protection,‬
‭and disarmament.‬
‭●‬ ‭Customary International Law:‬‭Customary international‬‭law arises from consistent state‬
‭practice (what states do) that is accompanied by a sense of legal obligation (opinio juris).‬
‭Customary norms reflect long-standing practices accepted as legally binding by the‬
‭international community.‬
‭2. International Custom:‬
‭●‬ S
‭ tate Practice:‬‭Customary international law is formed‬‭by the general and consistent‬
‭practice of states. When states behave in a certain way over time and consider it‬
‭obligatory, it becomes a binding custom.‬
‭●‬ ‭Opinio Juris:‬‭The belief that a particular practice‬‭is obligatory under international law‬
‭gives rise to opinio juris, an essential element for the formation of customary law.‬
‭3. General Principles of Law:‬
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‭International Law by Arees Khan Mangi‬
‭●‬ G
‭ eneral Legal Principles:‬‭Certain legal principles‬‭are recognized across various legal‬
‭systems, such as principles of equity, justice, and good faith. These principles are‬
‭considered general principles of law and are applied in international legal reasoning.‬
‭4. Judicial Decisions and Legal Scholarship:‬
‭●‬ J
‭ udicial Decisions:‬‭Decisions of international courts‬‭and tribunals, such as the‬
‭International Court of Justice (ICJ) and regional human rights courts, serve as important‬
‭sources of international law. While they are binding only on the parties involved, they are‬
‭persuasive for other cases and contribute to the development of customary law.‬
‭●‬ ‭Legal Scholarship:‬‭Works of legal scholars and experts,‬‭often cited in court decisions‬
‭and academic writings, help interpret and clarify international legal principles. Scholarly‬
‭writings contribute to the formation of customary law and the understanding of treaty‬
‭obligations.‬
‭5. Soft Law and Declarations:‬
‭●‬ S
‭ oft Law:‬‭Soft law refers to non-binding instruments‬‭and standards, such as guidelines,‬
‭declarations, and resolutions. While not legally binding, they can influence state‬
‭behavior, promote best practices, and contribute to the formation of customary law.‬
‭●‬ ‭UN Declarations and Resolutions:‬‭Declarations and‬‭resolutions of international‬
‭organizations, especially those of the United Nations General Assembly and Security‬
‭Council, can set standards, influence state conduct, and guide the development of‬
‭international law.‬
‭6. Peremptory Norms (Jus Cogens):‬
‭●‬ J
‭ us Cogens:‬‭Jus cogens norms are fundamental principles‬‭of international law that are‬
‭universally recognized and accepted. These norms, such as the prohibition of genocide‬
‭and slavery, have a higher status in international law and cannot be derogated by states‬
‭through treaties.‬
‭ hese material sources of international law form the basis for the rights and obligations of states‬
T
‭and other international entities, providing a framework for peaceful coexistence, cooperation,‬
‭and resolution of disputes in the international community.‬
‭Subjects, sources, and treaties‬
‭Relation between international law and State law‬
‭23‬
‭International Law by Arees Khan Mangi‬
‭International law vs municipal law‬
‭1.‬ ‭Scope and Applicability:‬
‭○‬ I‭nternational Law:‬‭International law governs the relationships‬‭and interactions‬
‭between sovereign states and other international entities. It is a system of rules‬
‭and principles that nations recognize as binding in their dealings with each other.‬
‭International law addresses issues such as treaties, diplomacy, human rights,‬
‭and armed conflict.‬
‭○‬ ‭Sources:‬‭International law is derived from treaties,‬‭customary practices, general‬
‭principles, and judicial decisions. It is created through the consent of states and‬
‭international actors.‬
‭2.‬ E
‭ nforcement and Adjudication:‬
‭○‬ I‭nternational Law:‬‭International law lacks a centralized‬‭enforcement‬
‭mechanism. Disputes between states are often resolved through diplomacy,‬
‭negotiation, or international courts and tribunals like the International Court of‬
‭Justice (ICJ). Enforcement relies on state compliance and international‬
‭cooperation.‬
‭○‬ ‭Jurisdiction:‬‭International courts have limited jurisdiction‬‭and can only hear‬
‭cases when states voluntarily submit to their jurisdiction or when provided for in‬
‭treaties.‬
‭3.‬ S
‭ ubjects of Law:‬
‭○‬ I‭nternational Law:‬‭Sovereign states and international‬‭organizations are the‬
‭primary subjects of international law. Individuals and corporations have limited‬
‭rights and responsibilities directly under international law, although human rights‬
‭treaties increasingly recognize individual rights.‬
‭4.‬ F
‭ lexibility and Adaptability:‬
‭○‬ I‭nternational Law:‬‭International law is flexible and‬‭adaptable, evolving in‬
‭response to changing global circumstances, state practices, and emerging‬
‭issues. It reflects the consensus and cooperation of states in the international‬
‭community.‬
‭5.‬ S
‭ cope and Applicability:‬
‭○‬ M
‭ unicipal Law:‬‭Municipal law, also known as national‬‭or domestic law, pertains‬
‭to the legal systems of individual countries. It governs the relationships between‬
‭individuals, entities, and the state within a specific country's borders. It covers‬
‭various areas such as criminal law, contract law, property law, and administrative‬
‭law.‬
‭6.‬ E
‭ nforcement and Adjudication:‬
‭24‬
‭International Law by Arees Khan Mangi‬
‭○‬ M
‭ unicipal Law:‬‭Municipal law is enforced by national‬‭authorities, including‬
‭police, courts, and regulatory agencies. Violations of municipal law can lead to‬
‭legal consequences, such as fines, imprisonment, or civil liability. Domestic‬
‭courts have jurisdiction over cases arising under municipal law.‬
‭7.‬ S
‭ ubjects of Law:‬
‭○‬ M
‭ unicipal Law:‬‭Individuals, corporations, government‬‭entities, and other legal‬
‭persons are subjects of municipal law. Municipal law governs the rights and‬
‭obligations of these entities within the territory of the respective country.‬
‭8.‬ H
‭ ierarchy and Sovereignty:‬
‭○‬ M
‭ unicipal Law:‬‭In many legal systems, municipal law‬‭operates within a‬
‭hierarchical structure. Constitutions form the supreme law of the land, and other‬
‭laws, regulations, and judicial decisions must comply with constitutional‬
‭provisions. National legal systems are sovereign within their own territories,‬
‭subject to international law only to the extent that they have voluntarily agreed to‬
‭abide by international obligations.‬
I‭n summary, international law governs interactions between sovereign states and international‬
‭actors, relying on cooperation, diplomacy, and mutual consent, while municipal law regulates the‬
‭relationships and conduct of individuals, entities, and the state within a specific country's‬
‭borders, enforced through national legal systems. International law and municipal law operate in‬
‭distinct spheres but can intersect when domestic legal systems incorporate international legal‬
‭norms through treaties or legislative acts.‬
‭Sources of International Law‬
‭article 38 of icj‬
‭ rticle 38 of the Statute of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) outlines the sources of law‬
A
‭that the Court considers when making decisions. It is a crucial provision that guides the Court's‬
‭jurisprudence. Article 38 of the ICJ's statute reads as follows:‬
"‭ The Court, whose function is to decide in accordance with international law such disputes as‬
‭are submitted to it, shall apply:‬
‭ . international conventions, whether general or particular, establishing rules expressly‬
a
‭recognized by the contesting states; b. international custom, as evidence of a general practice‬
‭accepted as law; c. the general principles of law recognized by civilized nations; d. subject to‬
‭the provisions of Article 59, judicial decisions and the teachings of the most highly qualified‬
‭publicists of the various nations, as subsidiary means for the determination of rules of law."‬
‭This article outlines the following sources of law that the ICJ considers:‬
‭25‬
‭International Law by Arees Khan Mangi‬
‭ rticle 38 of the Statute of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) outlines the sources of‬
A
‭international law that the Court considers when resolving disputes submitted to it. These‬
‭sources are applicable in the context of the relationship between international law and states.‬
‭Here's how the relationship between international law and states is defined under Article 38 of‬
‭the ICJ:‬
‭1. International Conventions (Treaties):‬
‭●‬ R
‭ elation to States:‬‭Treaties are agreements between‬‭states. When states enter into‬
‭international conventions, they voluntarily bind themselves to the rules established in‬
‭those treaties. The ICJ, in accordance with Article 38(a), applies these conventions‬
‭when they have been expressly recognized by the contesting states in a particular case.‬
‭2. International Custom:‬
‭●‬ R
‭ elation to States:‬‭Customary international law is‬‭based on the general and consistent‬
‭practice of states, indicating their acceptance of certain rules as legally binding (opinio‬
‭juris). States, through their actions and behaviors over time, contribute to the formation‬
‭of international custom.‬
‭●‬ ‭Application by ICJ:‬‭The ICJ, under Article 38(b),‬‭considers international custom as‬
‭evidence of a general practice accepted as law. It reflects the behavior and beliefs of‬
‭states, demonstrating the relationship between customary international law and state‬
‭practice.‬
‭3. General Principles of Law:‬
‭●‬ R
‭ elation to States:‬‭General principles of law recognized‬‭by civilized nations are‬
‭common legal principles that are accepted by states in their domestic legal systems.‬
‭These principles reflect the legal traditions shared by states globally.‬
‭●‬ ‭Application by ICJ:‬‭Article 38(c) allows the ICJ to‬‭apply these general principles of law,‬
‭demonstrating the relationship between these principles and the legal systems of states.‬
‭The ICJ uses these principles to fill gaps in international law.‬
‭4. Judicial Decisions and Legal Scholarship:‬
‭●‬ R
‭ elation to States:‬‭Judicial decisions (including international court rulings) and legal‬
‭scholarship (writings of legal scholars) often involve analyses and interpretations of state‬
‭behavior and international legal norms.‬
‭●‬ ‭Application by ICJ:‬‭Article 38(d) permits the ICJ‬‭to consider judicial decisions and the‬
‭teachings of the most highly qualified publicists as subsidiary means for the‬
‭determination of rules of law. This acknowledges the influence of states and legal‬
‭scholars in shaping international law.‬
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‭International Law by Arees Khan Mangi‬
I‭n summary, Article 38 of the ICJ's statute reflects the interplay between international law and‬
‭states. States actively participate in the creation of international law through treaties and‬
‭consistent state practice, and their legal traditions contribute to the formulation of general‬
‭principles of law. The ICJ, in turn, applies these sources of international law, taking into account‬
‭the relationship between these sources and the actions and beliefs of states in the international‬
‭arena.‬
‭TLDR:‬
‭ .‬‭International Conventions:‬‭Treaties and agreements‬‭between states are binding, and the‬
a
‭Court applies them when they are relevant to the dispute and have been accepted by the‬
‭parties. b.‬‭International Custom:‬‭Customary international‬‭law, formed by the consistent and‬
‭general practice of states along with their belief that such practice is legally required (opinio‬
‭juris), is a source of law. c.‬‭General Principles‬‭of Law:‬‭The Court can apply general principles‬
‭of law recognized by civilized nations, which are common legal principles acknowledged by‬
‭many legal systems. d.‬‭Judicial Decisions and Legal‬‭Scholarship:‬‭While not binding, judicial‬
‭decisions (precedent) and the writings of legal scholars are considered subsidiary means for the‬
‭Court to determine the rules of international law.‬
‭ rticle 38 serves as a guide for the ICJ in resolving disputes between states and ensures that‬
A
‭the Court's decisions are based on established principles and sources of international law.‬
‭primary sources‬
‭Primary/formal sources of International Law:‬
‭1.‬ T
‭ reaties:‬‭International treaties and conventions are‬‭formal agreements between states‬
‭or international organizations. Treaties are binding and constitute a significant source of‬
‭international law.‬
‭1.‬ ‭Treaty making can be made law making if:‬
‭1.‬ ‭Recurrence of treaties laying down a similar rule‬
‭2.‬ ‭Generalised from the subsequent independent acceptance‬
‭3.‬ ‭Existence of a rule crystallised into law‬
‭2.‬ ‭Customary International Law:‬‭Customary international‬‭law arises from consistent state‬
‭practice (what states do) that is accompanied by a sense of legal obligation (opinio juris).‬
‭Customary norms reflect long-standing practices accepted as legally binding by the‬
‭international community.‬
‭1.‬ ‭requirements‬
‭1.‬ ‭long-standing‬
‭2.‬ ‭uninterrupted and well known‬
‭3.‬ ‭consistency and uniformity‬
‭4.‬ ‭generality of practice‬
‭5.‬ ‭Opinion of jurists‬
‭6.‬ ‭beneficial nature of customs‬
‭2.‬ ‭Tests for customs‬
‭27‬
‭International Law by Arees Khan Mangi‬
‭ .‬ M
1
‭ aterial : general recurrence of acts‬
‭2.‬ ‭Psychological (conviction that recurrence result of compulsion, opino‬
‭juris)‬
‭3.‬ ‭Examples‬
‭1.‬ ‭Clipperton island case: island near Mexico given to France as‬
‭long-standing uncontested French association‬
‭2.‬ ‭Paquette Habana case : Unarmed fishing vessels cannot be seized after‬
‭blockade‬
‭Non-binding/Material sources/Secondary sources‬
‭1.‬ G
‭ eneral Principles of Law:‬‭Certain legal principles‬‭are recognized across various legal‬
‭systems, such as principles of equity, justice, and good faith. These principles are‬
‭considered general principles of law and are applied in international legal reasoning.‬
‭2.‬ ‭Judicial Decisions and International Court Rulings:‬‭Decisions of international courts‬
‭and tribunals, such as the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and other specialized‬
‭courts, serve as important sources of international law. These decisions contribute to the‬
‭development of customary law and provide interpretations of treaties and international‬
‭norms.‬
‭3.‬ ‭Legal Scholarship:‬‭Works of legal scholars and experts,‬‭often cited in court decisions‬
‭and academic writings, help interpret and clarify international legal principles. Scholarly‬
‭writings contribute to the formation of customary law and the understanding of treaty‬
‭obligations.‬
‭ hese primary sources of international and state law provide the foundation for legal systems at‬
T
‭both the international and national levels, guiding the behavior of states and individuals within‬
‭their respective jurisdictions.‬
‭State law primary sources‬
‭secondary sources‬
‭ econdary sources of international law refer to writings, analyses, and interpretations by legal‬
S
‭scholars, experts, and practitioners that provide commentary, explanations, and critiques of‬
‭international legal principles and issues. These sources are not legally binding but are valuable‬
‭references for understanding and applying international law. Here are some examples of‬
‭secondary sources of international law:‬
‭1. Legal Commentaries and Treatises:‬
‭●‬ B
‭ ooks and Articles:‬‭Scholars write books and articles‬‭analyzing specific aspects of‬
‭international law, treaties, cases, or legal doctrines, providing in-depth insights and‬
‭interpretations.‬
‭28‬
‭International Law by Arees Khan Mangi‬
‭●‬ L
‭ egal Encyclopedias:‬‭Encyclopedic works, such as the "Max Planck Encyclopedia of‬
‭Public International Law," provide comprehensive coverage of international law topics,‬
‭offering detailed explanations and references.‬
‭2. Law Journals and Periodicals:‬
‭●‬ A
‭ cademic Journals:‬‭Numerous law journals, like the‬‭"American Journal of International‬
‭Law" and the "European Journal of International Law," publish articles, case analyses,‬
‭and commentary on various international legal issues.‬
‭●‬ ‭Specialized Magazines:‬‭Magazines focused on international‬‭affairs and law often‬
‭feature articles by legal experts discussing current events and legal implications.‬
‭3. Research Papers and Working Papers:‬
‭●‬ T
‭ hink Tanks and Research Institutions:‬‭Institutions‬‭like the United Nations Research‬
‭Institute for Social Development (UNRISD) and the International Law and Policy Institute‬
‭(ILPI) publish research papers exploring international legal topics.‬
‭●‬ ‭University Research Centers:‬‭Academic institutions‬‭and universities frequently publish‬
‭working papers and research papers written by scholars and researchers.‬
‭4. Conference Proceedings and Symposia:‬
‭●‬ C
‭ onference Papers:‬‭Proceedings of international law‬‭conferences and symposia often‬
‭contain scholarly papers presented by experts, providing valuable insights into emerging‬
‭international legal issues.‬
‭●‬ ‭Symposium Publications:‬‭Academic institutions often‬‭organize symposia focused on‬
‭specific international law themes, resulting in publications that compile the presented‬
‭papers and discussions.‬
‭5. Case Law Commentaries:‬
‭●‬ C
‭ ase Digests:‬‭Legal experts compile case summaries‬‭and analyses, providing insights‬
‭into significant international court decisions and their implications for international law.‬
‭●‬ ‭Annotated Case Law:‬‭Annotations and commentaries accompanying‬‭legal cases offer‬
‭interpretations and analyses of judicial reasoning, aiding in the understanding of court‬
‭decisions.‬
‭6. Online Blogs and Websites:‬
‭●‬ L
‭ egal Blogs:‬‭Law professors, practitioners, and organizations maintain blogs discussing‬
‭recent developments, cases, and issues in international law, offering accessible and‬
‭timely analysis.‬
‭●‬ ‭Academic Websites:‬‭Many universities and academic‬‭institutions host online resources,‬
‭including articles, papers, and analyses, freely accessible to the public.‬
‭29‬
‭International Law by Arees Khan Mangi‬
‭7. Research Reports and Policy Papers:‬
‭●‬ I‭nternational Organizations:‬‭Organizations like the‬‭United Nations, World Bank, and‬
‭International Monetary Fund publish research reports and policy papers addressing‬
‭global challenges, often with legal analyses and recommendations.‬
‭ hese secondary sources play a crucial role in expanding the understanding of international‬
T
‭law, providing context, interpretations, and critiques that contribute to the ongoing development‬
‭of the field. Researchers, legal professionals, and students frequently rely on these sources to‬
‭enhance their knowledge of international legal principles and applications.‬
‭ econdary sources of state law are materials that provide explanations, analyses,‬
S
‭interpretations, and discussions of legal principles and issues within a specific jurisdiction.‬
‭These sources are not primary legal authorities but are valuable references for legal‬
‭professionals, researchers, and students seeking a deeper understanding of state law. Here are‬
‭some common examples of secondary sources of state law:‬
‭1. Legal Commentaries and Treatises:‬
‭●‬ B
‭ ooks and Articles:‬‭Legal scholars and experts often‬‭write books and articles on‬
‭various aspects of state law, providing in-depth analyses of statutes, cases, and legal‬
‭doctrines.‬
‭●‬ ‭Legal Encyclopedias:‬‭Encyclopedic works, like "Corpus‬‭Juris Secundum" in the United‬
‭States, provide comprehensive coverage of state law topics, offering detailed‬
‭explanations and references to relevant cases and statutes.‬
‭2. Law Journals and Periodicals:‬
‭●‬ L
‭ aw Reviews:‬‭Academic law journals and reviews publish‬‭articles, case analyses, and‬
‭commentary on state-specific legal issues, providing scholarly insights into recent‬
‭developments and legal trends.‬
‭●‬ ‭Bar Association Journals:‬‭Bar associations often publish‬‭journals featuring articles by‬
‭legal practitioners and experts, discussing practical aspects of state law practice.‬
‭3. State Bar Association Publications:‬
‭●‬ P
‭ ractice Guides:‬‭Bar associations publish practice‬‭guides and manuals that offer‬
‭practical advice and procedural information for legal practitioners in specific areas of‬
‭state law.‬
‭●‬ ‭Newsletters:‬‭Bar association newsletters provide updates on recent case law,‬
‭legislation, and legal events, keeping legal professionals informed about state-specific‬
‭legal developments.‬
‭4. Legal Research Databases:‬
‭30‬
‭International Law by Arees Khan Mangi‬
‭●‬ O
‭ nline Platforms:‬‭Legal research platforms like Westlaw,‬‭LexisNexis, and Bloomberg‬
‭Law provide access to secondary sources such as legal encyclopedias, treatises, and‬
‭law review articles, facilitating comprehensive legal research.‬
‭●‬ ‭State Bar Association Websites:‬‭State bar association‬‭websites often offer resources,‬
‭publications, and articles addressing state-specific legal issues and practice areas.‬
‭5. Court Rules and Practice Manuals:‬
‭●‬ L
‭ ocal Court Rules:‬‭Courts often publish local rules‬‭and guidelines governing‬
‭procedures specific to their jurisdiction, offering practical insights for legal practitioners.‬
‭●‬ ‭Practice Manuals:‬‭Practice manuals provide detailed‬‭procedural guidance and practice‬
‭tips for specific areas of state law practice, helping lawyers navigate court procedures‬
‭effectively.‬
‭6. Legal Blogs and Websites:‬
‭●‬ L
‭ egal Blogs:‬‭Lawyers and law firms maintain blogs‬‭discussing recent state-specific‬
‭legal developments, cases, and legislative changes, offering practical insights and‬
‭commentary.‬
‭●‬ ‭State Government Websites:‬‭State government websites‬‭often provide access to‬
‭statutes, regulations, and legal resources, serving as valuable references for legal‬
‭researchers.‬
‭7. Academic Theses and Dissertations:‬
‭●‬ U
‭ niversity Libraries:‬‭Academic theses and dissertations,‬‭especially those available in‬
‭university libraries, can offer in-depth research and analyses on specific state law topics.‬
‭8. Expert Reports and Whitepapers:‬
‭●‬ R
‭ esearch Institutions:‬‭Reports and whitepapers from‬‭legal research institutions and‬
‭think tanks often provide expert analyses and policy recommendations related to‬
‭state-specific legal issues.‬
‭ hese secondary sources of state law complement primary legal authorities (such as statutes,‬
T
‭regulations, and case law) by providing context, historical background, and expert opinions,‬
‭enhancing the understanding of legal principles and their practical applications within a specific‬
‭jurisdiction.‬
‭soft law‬
‭Soft Law in International Law:‬
‭31‬
‭International Law by Arees Khan Mangi‬
‭ oft law refers to non-binding instruments and principles that do not have the same legal force‬
S
‭as formal treaties and conventions. While not legally binding, soft law instruments, such as‬
‭declarations, guidelines, resolutions, and codes of conduct, play an important role in shaping‬
‭international norms and behavior. Soft law can be adopted by international organizations,‬
‭states, or other non-state actors. The significance of soft law lies in its ability to influence state‬
‭behavior, encourage cooperation, and promote common standards without the formal‬
‭enforcement mechanisms associated with treaties.‬
‭ xamples of soft law in international law include the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,‬
E
‭United Nations General Assembly resolutions, and non-binding agreements and principles‬
‭related to environmental protection, sustainable development, and human rights. Soft law‬
‭instruments provide flexibility, allowing states to adapt to changing circumstances and negotiate‬
‭common standards without the stringent legal obligations of formal treaties.‬
‭Soft Law vs. State Law:‬
‭1.‬ ‭Legal Status:‬
‭○‬ ‭Soft Law:‬‭Soft law lacks legal binding force. While‬‭it represents international‬
‭consensus and may influence state behavior, compliance is voluntary, and there‬
‭are no legal consequences for non-compliance.‬
‭○‬ ‭State Law:‬‭State laws are legally binding within their‬‭respective jurisdictions.‬
‭They are enacted and enforced by national governments and are obligatory for‬
‭individuals and entities within the state's territory.‬
‭2.‬ ‭Enforcement:‬
‭○‬ ‭Soft Law:‬‭Soft law lacks formal enforcement mechanisms.‬‭Compliance depends‬
‭on states' willingness to adhere to the principles and norms outlined in soft law‬
‭instruments.‬
‭○‬ ‭State Law:‬‭State laws are enforceable through domestic‬‭legal systems.‬
‭Violations can lead to legal consequences, including fines, imprisonment, or‬
‭other penalties.‬
‭3.‬ ‭Flexibility and Adaptability:‬
‭○‬ ‭Soft Law:‬‭Soft law offers flexibility and adaptability,‬‭allowing states to adopt and‬
‭modify standards based on changing circumstances and evolving international‬
‭consensus.‬
‭○‬ ‭State Law:‬‭State laws can be amended or repealed through‬‭legislative‬
‭processes, but changes typically require formal procedures and may take time to‬
‭implement.‬
‭4.‬ ‭Application:‬
‭○‬ ‭Soft Law:‬‭Soft law often addresses global or cross-border‬‭issues, providing‬
‭common standards for states to consider and voluntarily adopt.‬
‭○‬ ‭State Law:‬‭State laws are specific to individual countries and govern internal‬
‭matters within their respective territories.‬
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‭ hile soft law in international law provides a framework for cooperation and consensus-building‬
W
‭on global issues, state law is binding and enforceable within a specific jurisdiction, governing the‬
‭behavior of individuals and entities within the boundaries of the state.‬
‭Recognition‬
‭personality and statehood‬
‭ ince international law is primarily concerned with the rights and duties of states, it is necessary‬
S
‭to have a clear idea of what a state is, for the purposes of international law.1 The answer to this‬
‭question is less simple than one might suppose. However, it should be noted that in practice,‬
‭disputes tend to focus on factual issues rather than on the relevant legal criteria.2 The 1933‬
‭Montevideo Convention on Rights and Duties of States provides in Article 1: The State as a‬
‭person of international law should possess the following qualifications: (a) a permanent‬
‭population; (b) a defined territory; (c) government; and (d) capacity to enter into relations with‬
‭other States.3 The first three criteria (a)–(c) correspond to established international practice and‬
‭to the so-called doctrine of the three elements (‘DreiElementen-Lehre’) formulated by the‬
‭German writer Georg Jellinek at the end of the nineteenth century.4 They will be considered first‬
‭before discussing suggestions for additional criteria.‬
‭●‬ S
‭ pecific requirements laid down in the European Community guidelines for recognition‬
‭and the establishment of diplomatic relations are:‬
‭○‬ ‭respect for the provisions of the Charter of the United Nations and the‬
‭commitments subscribed to in the Final Act of Helsinki and in the Charter of‬
‭Paris, especially with regard to the rule of law, democracy and human rights;‬
‭○‬ ‭guarantees for the rights of ethnic and national groups and minorities in‬
‭accordance with the commitments subscribed to in the framework of the CSCE;‬
‭○‬ ‭respect for the inviolability of all frontiers which can only be changed by peaceful‬
‭means and by common agreement;‬
‭○‬ ‭acceptance of all relevant commitments with regard to disarmament and nuclear‬
‭non-proliferation as well as to security and regional stability;‬
‭○‬ ‭commitment to settle by agreement, including where appropriate by recourse to‬
‭arbitration, all questions concerning state succession and regional disputes‬
‭Subjects of International Law‬
‭ he subjects of international law are entities that possess international legal personality and are‬
T
‭capable of having rights and duties under international law. The primary subjects of international‬
‭law are:‬
‭1. Sovereign States:‬
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‭●‬ I‭ndependent States:‬‭All recognized sovereign states‬‭are subjects of international law.‬
‭Regardless of their size, population, or political system, states have equal standing in‬
‭international law. They can enter into treaties, engage in diplomatic relations, and‬
‭participate in international organizations.‬
‭●‬ ‭exceptions:‬
‭○‬ ‭Individuals acting on behalf of the state‬
‭○‬ ‭Working on the behest of a state‬
‭○‬ ‭Acts of individuals using territory of a state‬
‭2. International Organizations:‬
‭●‬ I‭ntergovernmental Organizations (IGOs):‬‭Organizations‬‭created by states through‬
‭treaties, such as the United Nations, World Trade Organization, and International‬
‭Monetary Fund, are subjects of international law. They have rights and duties specified‬
‭in their founding treaties.‬
‭●‬ ‭Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs):‬‭While not typically‬‭considered traditional‬
‭subjects of international law, certain NGOs, especially those with observer status in‬
‭international organizations, can participate in international processes and contribute to‬
‭the development of international norms.‬
‭3. Non-State Entities Recognized as Subjects in Specific Contexts:‬
‭●‬ N
‭ ational Liberation Movements:‬‭In certain cases, national‬‭liberation movements‬
‭fighting against colonial or foreign domination and occupation have been recognized as‬
‭subjects of international law.‬
‭●‬ ‭Dependent Territories:‬‭Some territories that are not‬‭fully sovereign states but have a‬
‭significant degree of self-government, like territories under the administration of the‬
‭United Nations, can be considered subjects in specific contexts.‬
‭4. International Courts and Tribunals:‬
‭●‬ I‭nternational Court of Justice (ICJ):‬‭The ICJ, as‬‭the principal judicial organ of the‬
‭United Nations, is a subject of international law. It resolves legal disputes between states‬
‭and gives advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by authorized UN organs‬
‭and specialized agencies.‬
‭5. Individuals:‬
‭●‬ L
‭ imited Rights:‬‭While individuals are generally not‬‭considered full subjects of‬
‭international law, they have gained certain rights and protections under specific treaties‬
‭and customary international law. For example, individuals can be held accountable for‬
‭international crimes before international criminal tribunals like the International Criminal‬
‭Court (ICC).‬
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I‭t's important to note that the concept of subjects in international law is evolving. While states‬
‭remain the primary subjects, the role of international organizations, non-state actors, and‬
‭individuals continues to expand, reflecting the changing dynamics of the international system.‬
‭Additionally, the recognition of new subjects often occurs through specific treaties or‬
‭international agreements.‬
‭recognition in international law and national law‬
‭ ecognition in international law refers to the formal acknowledgment by one state of the legal‬
R
‭existence and sovereignty of another state. It is a fundamental concept in international relations,‬
‭as states need to recognize each other as sovereign entities in order to engage in diplomatic‬
‭relations and establish legal, economic, and political interactions. Recognition can also pertain‬
‭to the acknowledgment of governments, independence movements, or other entities in specific‬
‭contexts. Here are different aspects of recognition in international law:‬
‭1. Recognition of States:‬
‭●‬ D
‭ e Jure Recognition:‬‭De jure recognition occurs when‬‭one state formally‬
‭acknowledges the legal existence and sovereignty of another state. De jure recognition‬
‭implies acceptance of the recognizing state that the newly formed state fulfills the criteria‬
‭of statehood, including a defined territory, a permanent population, a government, and‬
‭the capacity to enter into relations with other states.‬
‭●‬ ‭De Facto Recognition:‬‭De facto recognition acknowledges‬‭the effective control and‬
‭governance of a territory by a particular entity or government, even if the recognizing‬
‭state does not formally acknowledge it as a sovereign state. De facto recognition may be‬
‭practical and based on the entity's ability to exercise authority rather than its legal status.‬
‭2. Recognition of Governments:‬
‭●‬ R
‭ ecognition of Governments:‬‭States may recognize specific‬‭governments as the‬
‭legitimate authorities of a recognized state. Recognition of a government implies‬
‭acceptance of its authority to represent the state and enter into international agreements‬
‭on behalf of the state.‬
‭●‬ ‭Non-Recognition:‬‭States may choose not to recognize‬‭a particular government due to‬
‭concerns about its legitimacy, human rights violations, or other factors. Non-recognition‬
‭does not necessarily mean non-engagement, as states may engage with‬
‭non-recognized governments in various ways, such as through diplomatic channels.‬
‭ oday a clear distinction must be made between the recognition of a state and the recognition of‬
T
‭a government. The recognition of a state acknowledges that the entity fulfils the criteria of‬
‭statehood. The recognition of a government implies that the regime in question is in effective‬
‭control of a state. The basic difference is that the recognition of a government necessarily has‬
‭the consequence of accepting the statehood of the entity which the regime is governing, while‬
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‭International Law by Arees Khan Mangi‬
t‭he recognition of a state can be accorded without also accepting that a particular regime is the‬
‭government of that state.67‬
‭3. Recognition of Independence Movements:‬
‭●‬ R
‭ ecognition of Independence Movements:‬‭In certain‬‭situations, states or international‬
‭actors may recognize the independence of a territory or a national liberation movement,‬
‭acknowledging their right to self-determination. Recognition of independence‬
‭movements can be controversial and often depends on political considerations and‬
‭international consensus.‬
‭4. Recognition of Belligerency:‬
‭●‬ R
‭ ecognition of Belligerency:‬‭During armed conflicts,‬‭states may recognize the‬
‭belligerent status of a non-state actor, such as a rebel group, acknowledging its capacity‬
‭to engage in hostilities. Recognition of belligerency can have legal implications under‬
‭international humanitarian law.‬
‭5. Recognition in International Organizations:‬
‭●‬ M
‭ embership in International Organizations:‬‭States‬‭seeking membership in‬
‭international organizations must often be recognized as sovereign states by existing‬
‭member states to gain admission.‬
‭ ecognition in international law is a complex and politically sensitive issue. It can have‬
R
‭significant implications for diplomatic relations, economic interactions, and the legal status of‬
‭entities in the international arena. The criteria and processes for recognition vary and are often‬
‭influenced by political, historical, and regional factors.‬
‭types of states and non-state actors‬
‭Theories of recognition‬
‭ he theory of recognition in international law refers to the process by which states and‬
T
‭international entities formally acknowledge the existence and legitimacy of other states,‬
‭governments, or international organizations. Recognition is a fundamental aspect of‬
‭international relations as it determines the legal and diplomatic status of entities within the‬
‭international community. Several theories and principles guide the process of recognition in‬
‭international law:‬
‭*1. Declarative Theory:‬
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‭International Law by Arees Khan Mangi‬
‭●‬ D
‭ efinition:‬‭The declarative theory of recognition posits that a state exists as a matter of‬
‭fact when it meets the criteria of statehood, regardless of other states' recognition.‬
‭Recognition merely acknowledges an existing state; it does not create the state.‬
‭●‬ ‭Relevance:‬‭According to this theory, statehood is‬‭determined by meeting specific criteria‬
‭such as a defined territory, a permanent population, a government, and the capacity to‬
‭enter into relations with other states.‬
‭*2. Constitutive Theory:‬
‭●‬ D
‭ efinition:‬‭The constitutive theory asserts that a‬‭state's existence is contingent upon‬
‭recognition by other states. In this view, a state is not considered legitimate until it is‬
‭recognized by the international community.‬
‭●‬ ‭Relevance:‬‭According to this theory, states gain legal‬‭personality and international rights‬
‭and obligations through recognition by other states. A state is not fully sovereign until it‬
‭is recognized by others.‬
‭*3. Treaty-Based Recognition:‬
‭●‬ D
‭ efinition:‬‭States may agree through treaties or agreements‬‭to recognize specific‬
‭entities. Recognition in such cases is based on the provisions outlined in the treaty.‬
‭●‬ ‭Relevance:‬‭Treaty-based recognition allows states‬‭to formalize their acknowledgment of‬
‭new entities or governments and often includes terms and conditions for recognition.‬
‭*4. Conditional Recognition:‬
‭●‬ D
‭ efinition:‬‭Some states may grant recognition to entities‬‭or governments under certain‬
‭conditions, such as adherence to democratic principles, respect for human rights, or‬
‭peaceful resolution of conflicts.‬
‭●‬ ‭Relevance:‬‭Conditional recognition emphasizes compliance‬‭with specific criteria,‬
‭ensuring that the recognized entity meets internationally accepted standards.‬
‭*5. Non-Recognition and Recognition Withdrawal:‬
‭●‬ D
‭ efinition:‬‭States may choose not to recognize certain‬‭entities or governments due to‬
‭political, ideological, or strategic reasons. Recognition can also be withdrawn if a‬
‭recognized entity no longer fulfills the criteria for statehood.‬
‭●‬ ‭Relevance:‬‭Non-recognition and recognition withdrawal‬‭are diplomatic tools used to‬
‭express disapproval, protest certain policies, or influence the behavior of other states or‬
‭entities.‬
‭ ecognition in international law is a complex and dynamic process influenced by political, legal,‬
R
‭and practical considerations. States' decisions to recognize or not recognize entities or‬
‭governments can have significant implications for diplomatic relations, international legitimacy,‬
‭and the rights and obligations of the recognized entities in the global arena. Different states and‬
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‭International Law by Arees Khan Mangi‬
i‭nternational actors may apply different theories and principles of recognition based on their‬
‭perspectives and interests.‬
I‭nternational Institutions and the law of‬
‭treaties‬
‭International institutions‬
‭Legal aspects‬
I‭nternational organizations, as entities established by states through treaties or agreements,‬
‭operate within a legal framework that defines their structure, functions, powers, and‬
‭responsibilities. Here are the key legal aspects of international organizations:‬
‭1. Legal Personality:‬
‭●‬ I‭nternational Legal Personality:‬‭International organizations‬‭have international legal‬
‭personality, meaning they can enter into agreements, own property, sue, and be sued in‬
‭their own capacity. They are distinct legal entities from their member states.‬
‭●‬ ‭Derivation:‬‭Legal personality is derived from the‬‭constituent treaty or agreement that‬
‭establishes the organization. The treaty grants the organization the legal capacity to act‬
‭on the international stage.‬
‭2. Constituent Instruments:‬
‭●‬ C
‭ onstitution or Charter:‬‭International organizations‬‭are governed by their constitutive‬
‭instruments, such as a constitution or charter. These documents outline the‬
‭organization's purposes, functions, structure, membership criteria, and decision-making‬
‭processes.‬
‭●‬ ‭Amendment:‬‭Amendments to the constituent instruments‬‭often require the consent of‬
‭member states or specified majorities, ensuring that significant changes have‬
‭widespread support.‬
‭3. Powers and Functions:‬
‭●‬ E
‭ numerated Powers:‬‭International organizations have‬‭powers that are explicitly‬
‭granted to them in their constitutive instruments. These powers are limited to the‬
‭organization's stated objectives.‬
‭●‬ ‭Implied Powers:‬‭Organizations may exercise powers‬‭necessary to fulfill their stated‬
‭objectives, even if these powers are not explicitly mentioned in the constituent‬
‭instruments.‬
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‭International Law by Arees Khan Mangi‬
‭4. Membership:‬
‭●‬ A
‭ dmission Criteria:‬‭The criteria for membership in‬‭international organizations are‬
‭outlined in their constitutive documents. States or other entities must meet these criteria‬
‭to become members.‬
‭●‬ ‭Suspension and Expulsion:‬‭International organizations‬‭may suspend or expel‬
‭members based on specified grounds, ensuring compliance with organizational rules‬
‭and standards.‬
‭5. Decision-Making:‬
‭●‬ V
‭ oting Procedures:‬‭Constituent instruments define‬‭voting procedures for‬
‭decision-making within international organizations. Voting may be based on consensus,‬
‭a simple majority, a qualified majority, or other specified criteria.‬
‭●‬ ‭Decision-Making Bodies:‬‭Organizations often have bodies,‬‭such as general‬
‭assemblies, councils, or executive committees, where decisions are made according to‬
‭the established procedures.‬
‭6. Legal Capacity and Immunities:‬
‭●‬ L
‭ egal Capacity:‬‭International organizations can sue‬‭and be sued, enter into contracts,‬
‭and enjoy privileges and immunities similar to those of states to perform their functions‬
‭effectively.‬
‭●‬ ‭Diplomatic Immunity:‬‭The officials and representatives‬‭of international organizations‬
‭often have diplomatic immunity, protecting them from legal jurisdiction and ensuring their‬
‭independence in performing their duties.‬
‭7. Responsibility and Accountability:‬
‭●‬ S
‭ tate Responsibility:‬‭States are responsible for the‬‭actions of their international‬
‭organizations under international law. If an organization violates international law, states‬
‭may be held responsible.‬
‭●‬ ‭Internal Accountability:‬‭International organizations‬‭have internal mechanisms, such as‬
‭internal audits and oversight bodies, to ensure accountability, transparency, and‬
‭compliance with their rules and policies.‬
‭8. Relationship with Member States:‬
‭●‬ M
‭ ember States' Obligations:‬‭Member states are obliged‬‭to abide by the decisions and‬
‭rules of international organizations to which they belong.‬
‭●‬ ‭Coordination:‬‭International organizations coordinate‬‭with member states to harmonize‬
‭policies, share information, and address common challenges.‬
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‭International Law by Arees Khan Mangi‬
‭ hese legal aspects form the foundation for the functioning of international organizations,‬
T
‭ensuring that they operate within defined parameters and adhere to international law while‬
‭fulfilling their designated roles in the global community.‬
‭Legal institutions‬
I‭nternational institutions play a crucial role in the development and implementation of‬
‭international law. These institutions are organizations formed by states or international actors to‬
‭facilitate cooperation, promote peace, address global challenges, and regulate various aspects‬
‭of international relations. Here are some key international institutions in international law:‬
‭1. United Nations (UN):‬
‭●‬ T
‭ he United Nations is the largest and most influential international organization. It was‬
‭established to promote international peace and security, foster cooperation in solving‬
‭international economic, social, cultural, and humanitarian problems, and uphold‬
‭international law. The UN includes various specialized agencies, such as the‬
‭International Court of Justice (ICJ), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the‬
‭World Health Organization (WHO), among others.‬
‭2. International Court of Justice (ICJ):‬
‭●‬ T
‭ he ICJ is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. It settles legal disputes‬
‭between states and gives advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by‬
‭authorized UN organs and specialized agencies. The ICJ plays a significant role in the‬
‭development and interpretation of international law.‬
‭3. World Trade Organization (WTO):‬
‭●‬ T
‭ he WTO is an international organization dealing with the global rules of trade between‬
‭nations. It provides a framework for negotiating trade agreements, settling trade‬
‭disputes, and ensuring compliance with international trade rules. The WTO agreements‬
‭are a significant aspect of international economic law.‬
‭4. International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank:‬
‭●‬ T
‭ he IMF and the World Bank are international financial institutions that promote‬
‭international monetary cooperation, exchange stability, balanced trade, employment, and‬
‭economic growth. They provide financial assistance to member countries and support‬
‭projects for economic development.‬
‭5. International Criminal Court (ICC):‬
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‭International Law by Arees Khan Mangi‬
‭●‬ T
‭ he ICC is an independent international organization that prosecutes individuals for the‬
‭international crimes of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of‬
‭aggression. It complements national legal systems and ensures accountability for‬
‭serious international crimes.‬
‭6. International Labour Organization (ILO):‬
‭●‬ T
‭ he ILO is a United Nations agency that sets international labor standards and promotes‬
‭social protection and fair employment opportunities. It establishes and monitors‬
‭international labor conventions and recommendations, ensuring decent work conditions‬
‭globally.‬
‭7. International Maritime Organization (IMO):‬
‭●‬ T
‭ he IMO is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for regulating‬
‭shipping. It develops and maintains a comprehensive framework of global maritime‬
‭rules, ensuring the safety, security, and environmental performance of international‬
‭shipping.‬
‭ . United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization‬
8
‭(UNESCO):‬
‭●‬ U
‭ NESCO promotes international collaboration in education, sciences, and culture. It‬
‭develops international agreements and conventions related to education, cultural‬
‭heritage preservation, media development, and scientific cooperation.‬
‭9. World Health Organization (WHO):‬
‭●‬ T
‭ he WHO is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international‬
‭public health. It sets international health standards, provides technical assistance, and‬
‭conducts health research to improve global health outcomes.‬
‭ hese international institutions, among others, contribute significantly to the formulation,‬
T
‭implementation, and enforcement of international law across various domains, fostering‬
‭cooperation and addressing global challenges in the international arena.‬
‭responsibility of IO‬
I‭nternational institutions, including intergovernmental organizations, international legal bodies,‬
‭and specialized agencies, have various responsibilities based on their specific mandates and‬
‭purposes. While these responsibilities can vary widely depending on the organization's function,‬
‭there are several common areas in which international institutions typically have key‬
‭responsibilities:‬
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‭International Law by Arees Khan Mangi‬
‭1. Promotion and Maintenance of International Peace and Security:‬
‭●‬ C
‭ onflict Prevention:‬‭International institutions work‬‭to prevent the outbreak of conflicts‬
‭between states and within regions.‬
‭●‬ ‭Peacekeeping:‬‭Many institutions, like the United Nations,‬‭engage in peacekeeping‬
‭operations to maintain peace and stability in conflict zones.‬
‭2. Promotion of Human Rights and Social Justice:‬
‭●‬ H
‭ uman Rights:‬‭International institutions are involved‬‭in the promotion and protection of‬
‭human rights globally. They monitor human rights violations, advocate for human rights‬
‭standards, and provide assistance in capacity-building.‬
‭●‬ ‭Social Justice:‬‭Institutions work towards social justice‬‭by addressing issues such as‬
‭poverty, inequality, discrimination, and social exclusion.‬
‭3. Economic Development and Cooperation:‬
‭●‬ E
‭ conomic Assistance:‬‭International institutions provide‬‭financial and technical‬
‭assistance to developing countries to support economic growth, infrastructure‬
‭development, and poverty reduction.‬
‭●‬ ‭Trade and Economic Stability:‬‭They facilitate international‬‭trade, establish economic‬
‭standards, and promote economic stability and sustainable development.‬
‭4. Global Health and Public Health Challenges:‬
‭●‬ D
‭ isease Control:‬‭Institutions like the World Health‬‭Organization (WHO) work on global‬
‭health issues, disease control, and pandemic response.‬
‭●‬ ‭Healthcare Access:‬‭They aim to improve healthcare‬‭access, especially in low-income‬
‭countries, and promote health equity and disease prevention.‬
‭5. Environmental Protection and Sustainability:‬
‭●‬ C
‭ limate Change Mitigation:‬‭International institutions‬‭engage in efforts to mitigate‬
‭climate change, promote renewable energy, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.‬
‭●‬ ‭Biodiversity Conservation:‬‭They work towards the conservation‬‭of biodiversity,‬
‭protection of ecosystems, and sustainable management of natural resources.‬
‭6. Promotion of Education and Cultural Exchange:‬
‭●‬ E
‭ ducation:‬‭International institutions support educational‬‭initiatives, promote literacy, and‬
‭improve educational access in developing countries.‬
‭●‬ ‭Cultural Exchange:‬‭They facilitate cultural exchange‬‭programs, preservation of cultural‬
‭heritage, and mutual understanding among nations.‬
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‭International Law by Arees Khan Mangi‬
‭7. Refugee and Migration Issues:‬
‭●‬ R
‭ efugee Protection:‬‭International institutions address‬‭the needs of refugees, internally‬
‭displaced persons, and stateless individuals, providing humanitarian aid and advocating‬
‭for their rights.‬
‭●‬ ‭Migration Management:‬‭They work on global migration‬‭issues, supporting policies and‬
‭practices that ensure safe and orderly migration.‬
‭8. Disaster Response and Humanitarian Aid:‬
‭●‬ H
‭ umanitarian Assistance:‬‭International institutions‬‭provide emergency relief and‬
‭humanitarian aid in response to natural disasters, conflicts, and other crises.‬
‭●‬ ‭Disaster Preparedness:‬‭They support disaster preparedness,‬‭early warning systems,‬
‭and capacity-building in vulnerable regions.‬
‭9. Arbitration and Conflict Resolution:‬
‭●‬ A
‭ rbitration:‬‭Some international institutions, such‬‭as the International Court of Justice‬
‭(ICJ), provide mechanisms for states to resolve disputes peacefully through arbitration‬
‭and judicial proceedings.‬
‭●‬ ‭Mediation:‬‭They facilitate diplomatic efforts and‬‭mediate conflicts between states or‬
‭parties within states.‬
‭ he responsibilities of international institutions are diverse and reflect the interconnected and‬
T
‭complex challenges of the modern world. These institutions collaborate with member states,‬
‭non-governmental organizations, and other stakeholders to address global issues, promote‬
‭cooperation, and uphold international norms and standards.‬
‭liability and accountability of international organizations‬
‭ iability and accountability of international institutions are essential concepts that ensure these‬
L
‭organizations are held responsible for their actions and decisions. Here's a more detailed‬
‭breakdown of these terms:‬
‭Liability of International Institutions:‬
‭1.‬ L
‭ egal Immunity:‬‭Many international institutions, especially‬‭intergovernmental‬
‭organizations like the United Nations, enjoy legal immunity from the jurisdiction of‬
‭national courts. This immunity protects them from lawsuits and legal actions in host‬
‭countries.‬
‭2.‬ ‭Contractual Liability:‬‭International institutions‬‭can enter into contracts, and they can be‬
‭held liable for breach of contract under international law. Disputes arising from contracts‬
‭with these institutions are often resolved through arbitration or other dispute resolution‬
‭mechanisms specified in the contract.‬
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‭International Law by Arees Khan Mangi‬
‭3.‬ T
‭ ortious Liability:‬‭International organizations may be held liable for tortious acts, but‬
‭the extent of their liability is often limited by their constituent instruments. Individuals or‬
‭entities harmed by the actions of international organizations may file claims, but pursuing‬
‭legal action can be complex due to immunity issues and specific rules set forth in the‬
‭organization's founding documents.‬
‭4.‬ ‭Human Rights Violations:‬‭International institutions‬‭can be held accountable for human‬
‭rights violations if they are directly involved or complicit in such violations. This‬
‭accountability is based on international human rights law and customary international‬
‭law.‬
‭5.‬ ‭Environmental and Social Responsibility:‬‭International‬‭institutions involved in‬
‭development projects or activities with environmental impacts can be held accountable‬
‭for environmental and social harm resulting from their projects. They are expected to‬
‭follow responsible practices, conduct environmental impact assessments, and adhere to‬
‭internationally recognized standards.‬
‭Accountability of International Institutions:‬
‭1.‬ T
‭ ransparency:‬‭International institutions are expected‬‭to be transparent in their‬
‭operations. They should provide information about their activities, decision-making‬
‭processes, and use of resources. Transparency enhances public understanding and‬
‭trust.‬
‭2.‬ ‭Internal Oversight:‬‭International institutions often‬‭have internal oversight mechanisms,‬
‭such as audit offices or inspector generals, to ensure compliance with internal policies‬
‭and procedures. These mechanisms help identify and rectify issues within the‬
‭organization.‬
‭3.‬ ‭External Audits:‬‭Some international institutions are‬‭subject to external audits conducted‬
‭by independent auditors. These audits provide an objective assessment of an‬
‭organization's financial statements and internal controls.‬
‭4.‬ ‭Independent Evaluations:‬‭Independent evaluations assess‬‭the effectiveness and‬
‭impact of programs and projects undertaken by international institutions. These‬
‭evaluations help organizations improve their strategies and outcomes.‬
‭5.‬ ‭Accountability to Member States:‬‭International institutions‬‭are accountable to their‬
‭member states, which oversee their functioning and decision-making. Member states‬
‭can hold organizations accountable through various means, including discussions,‬
‭resolutions, and budgetary decisions.‬
‭6.‬ ‭Accountability to Beneficiaries:‬‭In the case of development‬‭projects, international‬
‭institutions are accountable to the communities and individuals affected by their‬
‭initiatives. Ensuring that projects meet the needs and expectations of beneficiaries is a‬
‭crucial aspect of accountability.‬
‭7.‬ ‭Compliance with International Law:‬‭International institutions‬‭must comply with‬
‭international law, including human rights standards and other applicable legal norms.‬
‭Non-compliance can lead to reputational damage and legal consequences.‬
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‭ he balance between legal immunity, necessary for the effective functioning of international‬
T
‭institutions, and accountability mechanisms is an ongoing challenge. Striking this balance‬
‭ensures that these organizations fulfill their mandates while being held accountable for their‬
‭actions and decisions. International institutions, like the United Nations, continuously work on‬
‭improving their accountability mechanisms to meet evolving standards and expectations.‬
‭Dissolution and succession of international institutions‬
‭ issolution and succession of international institutions are complex processes governed by‬
D
‭international law and the specific rules outlined in the institutions' constitutive documents (such‬
‭as charters or agreements). The dissolution of an international institution means the termination‬
‭of its existence, while succession refers to the transfer of rights, obligations, and assets from‬
‭one institution to another or to successor states after the dissolution. Here's an overview of‬
‭these processes:‬
‭Dissolution of International Institutions:‬
‭1.‬ C
‭ onsent of Member States:‬‭The dissolution of an international‬‭institution typically‬
‭requires the consent of its member states. Member states, through their representatives‬
‭or governing bodies, may decide to dissolve the institution through mutual agreement.‬
‭2.‬ ‭Amendment of Constitutive Documents:‬‭The procedures‬‭for dissolution are often‬
‭outlined in the institution's constitutive documents. Member states may need to amend‬
‭these documents to include provisions for dissolution and the distribution of assets and‬
‭liabilities.‬
‭3.‬ ‭Settlement of Obligations:‬‭Before dissolution, the‬‭institution must settle its outstanding‬
‭obligations, including financial commitments, contractual agreements, and legal‬
‭disputes. This may involve negotiations, payments, or other forms of resolution.‬
‭4.‬ ‭Distribution of Assets and Liabilities:‬‭The distribution‬‭of assets and liabilities is a‬
‭critical aspect of dissolution. Member states may agree on the division of assets, such‬
‭as funds, properties, and intellectual property rights, among the participating states or‬
‭other entities.‬
‭5.‬ ‭Notification to Stakeholders:‬‭The institution must‬‭notify relevant stakeholders,‬
‭including member states, employees, creditors, and beneficiaries of its programs, about‬
‭the impending dissolution. This communication may include information about the‬
‭timeline, settlement procedures, and the fate of ongoing projects.‬
‭Succession of International Institutions:‬
‭1.‬ E
‭ stablishment of Successor Institution:‬‭In some cases,‬‭a new international institution‬
‭may be established to succeed the functions of the dissolved organization. Member‬
‭states may negotiate and create a successor institution with a revised mandate and‬
‭structure.‬
‭2.‬ ‭Transfer of Rights and Obligations:‬‭If there is a‬‭successor institution, member states‬
‭may agree to transfer the rights, obligations, and assets of the dissolved institution to the‬
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‭International Law by Arees Khan Mangi‬
‭3.‬
‭4.‬
‭5.‬
‭6.‬
‭ uccessor. This includes ongoing projects, contractual agreements, and intellectual‬
s
‭property rights.‬
‭Recognition by Member States:‬‭Member states and the‬‭international community must‬
‭recognize the successor institution as the legitimate entity to carry out the functions of‬
‭the dissolved organization. Recognition may involve diplomatic processes and formal‬
‭agreements among states.‬
‭Continuity of Agreements:‬‭The successor institution‬‭may choose to honor existing‬
‭agreements made by the dissolved organization, ensuring the continuity of projects,‬
‭partnerships, and obligations.‬
‭Management of Employees:‬‭If the successor institution‬‭absorbs the staff of the‬
‭dissolved organization, proper procedures for staff transfer, employment contracts, and‬
‭labor rights must be followed.‬
‭Engagement with Stakeholders:‬‭The successor institution‬‭must engage with‬
‭stakeholders, including member states, employees, and beneficiaries, to ensure a‬
‭smooth transition and maintain the trust and support of relevant parties.‬
‭ he dissolution and succession of international institutions are sensitive and intricate processes‬
T
‭that require careful negotiation, legal expertise, and international cooperation. Transparency,‬
‭accountability, and respect for the rights of affected parties are essential during these transitions‬
‭to maintain the integrity and effectiveness of international organizations.‬
‭Law of treaties‬
‭Vienna convention on the law of treaties‬
‭ he Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties, often referred to simply as the Vienna‬
T
‭Convention, is an international treaty that establishes the legal framework for the conclusion,‬
‭interpretation, and enforcement of treaties between states. The treaty was adopted on May 23,‬
‭1969, and entered into force on January 27, 1980. It is considered one of the foundational‬
‭documents of international law.‬
‭Key Provisions of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties:‬
‭1.‬ ‭Definition of a Treaty (Article 2):‬
‭○‬ ‭A treaty is defined as an international agreement concluded between states in‬
‭written form and governed by international law, whether embodied in a single‬
‭instrument or in two or more related instruments.‬
‭2.‬ ‭Consent to be Bound (Article 2):‬
‭○‬ ‭The consent of states to be bound by a treaty is expressed through signature,‬
‭ratification, acceptance, approval, or accession, or by any other means if so‬
‭agreed.‬
‭3.‬ ‭Reservations (Article 19-23):‬
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‭4.‬
‭5.‬
‭6.‬
‭7.‬
‭8.‬
‭○‬ S
‭ tates can make reservations to a treaty, but these reservations must not be‬
‭incompatible with the object and purpose of the treaty. Other parties to the treaty‬
‭can accept, object to, or protest against reservations.‬
‭Interpretation of Treaties (Articles 31-33):‬
‭○‬ ‭The interpretation of treaties is based on the ordinary meaning of the terms, the‬
‭context, and the object and purpose of the treaty. Subsequent agreements and‬
‭practice are also considered in interpretation.‬
‭Invalidity, Termination, and Suspension (Articles 46-54):‬
‭○‬ ‭Grounds for invalidity of treaties, such as coercion or corruption, are specified.‬
‭The treaty outlines circumstances under which treaties can be terminated,‬
‭including material breach by one of the parties. It also covers the suspension of‬
‭the operation of a treaty under certain conditions.‬
‭Amendment and Modification (Article 39):‬
‭○‬ ‭Treaties can include provisions specifying how they can be amended or modified.‬
‭Amendments often require the consent of all parties or a specified majority, as‬
‭stipulated in the treaty.‬
‭Depositaries and Registration (Articles 76-80):‬
‭○‬ ‭The treaty specifies the functions of depositaries, the entities responsible for‬
‭receiving notifications and instruments concerning the treaty. It also addresses‬
‭the registration of treaties with the United Nations.‬
‭Final Clauses (Articles 81-83):‬
‭○‬ ‭The final clauses cover matters such as the treaty's entry into force, signature,‬
‭ratification, acceptance, approval, and accession procedures.‬
‭ he Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties is a comprehensive and widely accepted treaty‬
T
‭that codifies and standardizes the rules governing the formation, interpretation, and termination‬
‭of treaties in the international legal system. It has been ratified by a large number of states,‬
‭making it a cornerstone of international treaty law.‬
‭the law and practice as to treaties‬
‭ he law and practice regarding treaties are governed by the principles outlined in the Vienna‬
T
‭Convention on the Law of Treaties (1969), which is the primary international treaty regulating‬
‭the conclusion, interpretation, and termination of treaties. Here are the key aspects of the law‬
‭and practice related to treaties:‬
‭1. Treaty Definition:‬
‭●‬ L
‭ aw:‬‭According to the Vienna Convention, a treaty‬‭is an international agreement‬
‭concluded between states (or between states and international organizations) in written‬
‭form and governed by international law.‬
‭●‬ ‭Practice:‬‭Treaties can cover a wide range of subjects,‬‭including trade, human rights,‬
‭environmental protection, and security. They are binding agreements that create legal‬
‭obligations for the parties involved.‬
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‭2. Negotiation and Conclusion:‬
‭●‬ L
‭ aw:‬‭Treaties are negotiated and concluded by states‬‭or international organizations‬
‭following their domestic legal processes.‬
‭●‬ ‭Practice:‬‭Negotiations involve representatives of‬‭the parties drafting the treaty text,‬
‭which is then approved and signed by the authorized representatives of the states. After‬
‭signature, states typically need to go through their domestic legal procedures, such as‬
‭ratification or approval, to be bound by the treaty.‬
‭3. Reservations:‬
‭●‬ L
‭ aw:‬‭Reservations are unilateral statements made by‬‭a state when signing, ratifying,‬
‭accepting, approving, or acceding to a treaty, where the state modifies or excludes the‬
‭legal effect of certain treaty provisions within its territory.‬
‭●‬ ‭Practice:‬‭States may make reservations to treaties,‬‭but these reservations must not be‬
‭incompatible with the object and purpose of the treaty. Other parties to the treaty can‬
‭accept, object to, or protest against reservations.‬
‭4. Entry into Force:‬
‭●‬ L
‭ aw:‬‭Treaties enter into force based on conditions‬‭specified in the treaty text, such as‬
‭the number of ratifications required.‬
‭●‬ ‭Practice:‬‭After the required number of states have‬‭ratified or otherwise accepted the‬
‭treaty, it enters into force for those states. States that ratify the treaty later are bound by‬
‭it from the date of their ratification.‬
‭5. Amendment and Modification:‬
‭‬ L
●
‭ aw:‬‭Treaties can include provisions specifying how‬‭they can be amended or modified.‬
‭●‬ ‭Practice:‬‭Amendments may require the consent of all‬‭parties, or a specified majority,‬
‭depending on the treaty text. States may also conclude additional protocols to modify‬
‭specific aspects of the treaty.‬
‭6. Interpretation:‬
‭●‬ L
‭ aw:‬‭The Vienna Convention provides principles for‬‭interpreting treaties, including‬
‭considering the text, context, object and purpose, and subsequent practice.‬
‭●‬ ‭Practice:‬‭Disputes regarding the interpretation of‬‭treaties can be resolved through‬
‭negotiations between the parties or, if necessary, through international adjudication, such‬
‭as before the International Court of Justice.‬
‭7. Termination and Withdrawal:‬
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‭●‬ L
‭ aw:‬‭Treaties can be terminated or withdrawn from based on provisions within the treaty‬
‭or customary international law.‬
‭●‬ ‭Practice:‬‭States can terminate treaties through mutual‬‭consent, withdrawal following‬
‭specified procedures, or due to a fundamental change of circumstances (referred to as‬
‭the doctrine of rebus sic stantibus).‬
‭ he law and practice of treaties reflect the evolving norms and practices in international‬
T
‭relations, and adherence to these principles is essential for maintaining stability and‬
‭predictability in the international legal system. States often rely on legal advisors and experts to‬
‭navigate the complexities of treaty law and ensure compliance with their international‬
‭obligations.‬
‭The use of force‬
‭The law before the UN charter‬
‭ efore the adoption of the United Nations Charter in 1945, the use of force in international‬
B
‭relations was governed primarily by customary international law and treaty law. One of the‬
‭foundational principles of international law was the concept of state sovereignty, which included‬
‭the inherent right of states to use force for self-defense and protection of their territory and‬
‭interests. Several key principles and historical events shaped the law on the use of force before‬
‭the UN Charter:‬
‭1. Principle of Sovereignty:‬
‭●‬ S
‭ tates had the inherent right to protect their sovereignty, territory, and national interests,‬
‭and they could use force as a means of self-defense.‬
‭2. Just War Theory:‬
‭●‬ J
‭ ust war theory, a moral and philosophical framework, provided criteria for determining‬
‭the justifiability of using force. According to this theory, wars could be just if they were‬
‭waged for a just cause, with the right intention, as a last resort, with a reasonable‬
‭chance of success, and if the means used were proportionate and non-discriminatory.‬
‭3. Treaty Law:‬
‭●‬ V
‭ arious treaties and agreements, such as the Kellogg-Briand Pact of 1928, renounced‬
‭war as a means of national policy, emphasizing the peaceful settlement of disputes.‬
‭However, the effectiveness of these treaties in preventing armed conflicts was limited.‬
‭4. Self-Defense Doctrine:‬
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‭International Law by Arees Khan Mangi‬
‭●‬ S
‭ tates had the right to use force in self-defense against armed attacks. The Caroline‬
‭Affair (1837) between the United States and the United Kingdom established the‬
‭principle of necessity and proportionality in self-defense, stating that the use of force‬
‭must be a response to an immediate and overwhelming threat.‬
‭5. Intervention for Protection of Nationals:‬
‭●‬ S
‭ tates sometimes used force to protect their nationals abroad, especially during periods‬
‭of colonization. This practice, while controversial, was often invoked as a justification for‬
‭military intervention.‬
‭6. Doctrine of Contingent Sovereignty:‬
‭●‬ S
‭ ome scholars and states argued for a doctrine of contingent sovereignty, suggesting‬
‭that a state's sovereignty could be forfeited if it failed to fulfill certain international‬
‭obligations, thereby justifying intervention by other states.‬
I‭t's important to note that the principles governing the use of force before the UN Charter were‬
‭often vague and open to interpretation, leading to differing opinions among states and legal‬
‭scholars. The adoption of the UN Charter in 1945 marked a significant shift in the international‬
‭legal framework, explicitly prohibiting the use of force except in cases of self-defense or when‬
‭authorized by the Security Council, thereby providing a more comprehensive and codified‬
‭approach to regulating the use of force in international relations.‬
‭After UN charter‬
‭ he United Nations Charter, adopted in 1945, significantly altered the legal framework‬
T
‭governing the use of force in international relations. The Charter established principles and rules‬
‭that continue to shape the law on the use of force today. Here are the key aspects of the law on‬
‭the use of force after the UN Charter:‬
‭1. Prohibition of the Use of Force (Article 2(4)):‬
‭●‬ T
‭ he UN Charter prohibits the use of force in international relations. Article 2(4) states‬
‭that "All Members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of‬
‭force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any other‬
‭manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations."‬
‭2. Exceptions to the Prohibition:‬
‭●‬ S
‭ elf-Defense (Article 51):‬‭States retain the inherent‬‭right to individual or collective‬
‭self-defense if an armed attack occurs against a Member of the United Nations.‬
‭Self-defense must be reported to the Security Council.‬
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‭●‬ S
‭ ecurity Council Authorization (Chapter VII):‬‭The Security Council can authorize the‬
‭use of force to maintain or restore international peace and security under Chapter VII of‬
‭the UN Charter.‬
‭3. Collective Security (Chapter VII):‬
‭●‬ T
‭ he UN Security Council has the primary responsibility for the maintenance of‬
‭international peace and security. It can take collective measures, including the use of‬
‭force, to address threats to international peace and security.‬
‭4. Peacekeeping Operations:‬
‭●‬ T
‭ he UN can deploy peacekeeping forces to help maintain or restore peace in‬
‭post-conflict areas. Peacekeepers operate with the consent of the parties involved and‬
‭are deployed to support peace agreements and facilitate political processes.‬
‭5. Responsibility to Protect (R2P):‬
‭●‬ T
‭ he principle of the Responsibility to Protect emphasizes the international community's‬
‭responsibility to protect populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing, and‬
‭crimes against humanity. R2P may involve collective action, including the use of force,‬
‭authorized by the Security Council.‬
‭6. Customary International Law:‬
‭●‬ T
‭ he principles established in the UN Charter, including the prohibition of the use of force,‬
‭have become customary international law, binding on all states, regardless of whether‬
‭they are UN members.‬
‭7. Humanitarian Intervention and Controversies:‬
‭●‬ T
‭ he concept of humanitarian intervention, while not explicitly recognized in the Charter,‬
‭continues to be a subject of debate. Some argue that force can be used to prevent or‬
‭stop gross human rights violations. However, there is no consensus on the legality of‬
‭such interventions under international law.‬
‭8. Non-State Actors and Terrorism:‬
‭●‬ T
‭ he use of force by non-state actors, including terrorist groups, raises challenges for the‬
‭international community. States are responsible for preventing and combating terrorism,‬
‭and there are legal frameworks, such as Security Council resolutions and international‬
‭conventions, addressing terrorism-related issues.‬
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‭ he UN Charter's framework and subsequent developments in international law emphasize‬
T
‭peaceful dispute resolution, the central role of the Security Council, and the limited scope for the‬
‭use of force, all aimed at promoting global peace, stability, and security.‬
‭Chapter 7 of UN charter‬
‭ .‬ S
1
‭ elf defense‬
‭2.‬ ‭Collective security‬
‭3.‬ ‭Humanitarian intervention‬
‭Right of self-defense‬
‭Article 51‬
‭ nder international law, states have the inherent right to self-defense, which is recognized in‬
U
‭Article 51 of the United Nations Charter. The right to self-defense allows states to use military‬
‭force in response to an armed attack. Here are the key aspects of the right to self-defense in‬
‭international law:‬
‭1. Armed Attack:‬
‭●‬ S
‭ elf-defense is only permissible in response to an armed attack. The use of force is‬
‭generally not considered self-defense unless there is a prior armed attack or an‬
‭imminent threat of armed attack.‬
‭2. Immediacy and Imminence:‬
‭●‬ S
‭ elf-defense can be exercised in response to an imminent armed attack. States do not‬
‭need to wait for an attack to occur; they can take preemptive action if an armed attack is‬
‭imminent.‬
‭3. Necessity and Proportionality:‬
‭●‬ S
‭ elf-defense must be necessary and proportionate. The use of force must be the last‬
‭resort, and the level of force used must be proportionate to the threat faced. Excessive‬
‭force or actions that go beyond the necessity of self-defense can violate international‬
‭law.‬
‭4. Attribution of the Attack:‬
‭●‬ T
‭ he state exercising self-defense must be able to attribute the armed attack to another‬
‭state or a non-state actor. States have the right to defend themselves against attacks‬
‭originating from other states or attacks perpetrated by non-state actors that the other‬
‭state is unwilling or unable to control.‬
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‭5. Reporting to the Security Council:‬
‭●‬ I‭f a state exercises its right to self-defense, it must report to the UN Security Council‬
‭immediately. Article 51 of the UN Charter requires states to report any measures taken in‬
‭self-defense to the Security Council, which retains the authority to assess the situation‬
‭and take further action if necessary.‬
‭6. Non-State Actors and Self-Defense:‬
‭●‬ T
‭ he right to self-defense against non-state actors (such as terrorist organizations) is a‬
‭topic of ongoing debate in international law. States can argue that they are acting in‬
‭self-defense if the non-state actor's actions can be attributed to another state, or if the‬
‭host state is unable or unwilling to prevent attacks.‬
‭7. Collective Self-Defense:‬
‭●‬ S
‭ tates can engage in collective self-defense, meaning that states can come to the aid of‬
‭another state under attack. This concept allows alliances and coalitions to collectively‬
‭respond to armed attacks on member states.‬
‭8. Preventive Self-Defense:‬
‭●‬ P
‭ reventive self-defense, the use of force to counter a perceived future threat, is a‬
‭controversial and debated concept. While international law recognizes preemptive action‬
‭against imminent threats, preventive action against potential future threats is generally‬
‭seen as legally dubious under current international law.‬
‭ he right to self-defense is a fundamental principle of international law, but it is subject to strict‬
T
‭limitations and conditions. States exercising self-defense must adhere to the principles of‬
‭necessity, proportionality, and immediacy, and they are accountable to the international‬
‭community through the UN Security Council.‬
‭Caroline test‬
‭Collective use of force‬
‭artlice 42 and 41‬
‭Chapter 7 of the UN framework‬
‭ he collective use of force in international law refers to military action taken by a group of states‬
T
‭or international organizations to address a threat to international peace and security. The United‬
‭Nations Charter provides the legal framework for such collective action, primarily under Chapter‬
‭VII, which deals with "Action with respect to Threats to the Peace, Breaches of the Peace, and‬
‭Acts of Aggression."‬
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‭Collective Security and the United Nations:‬
‭1.‬ ‭Security Council Authorization (Article 42):‬
‭○‬ ‭The UN Security Council, as the primary organ responsible for maintaining‬
‭international peace and security, can authorize the use of force by member states‬
‭to deal with threats to peace or acts of aggression. This authorization is binding‬
‭on all UN member states (UN Charter, Article 25).‬
‭2.‬ ‭Collective Measures (Article 41):‬
‭○‬ ‭Before authorizing the use of force, the Security Council can impose non-military‬
‭measures, such as economic sanctions or diplomatic sanctions, to address‬
‭threats to international peace and security.‬
‭Peacekeeping Operations:‬
‭1.‬ ‭Peacekeeping Mandates (Chapter VI and Chapter VII Operations):‬
‭○‬ ‭The Security Council can establish peacekeeping operations under Chapter VI or‬
‭Chapter VII of the UN Charter. While Chapter VI missions focus on peaceful‬
‭settlement and preventive diplomacy, Chapter VII missions can involve the use of‬
‭force to maintain or restore international peace and security.‬
‭2.‬ ‭Consent of Parties Involved:‬
‭○‬ ‭Peacekeeping operations are deployed with the consent of the parties involved in‬
‭a conflict, and they operate under the principle of impartiality and non-use of‬
‭force unless in self-defense or defense of the mandate.‬
‭Regional Organizations:‬
‭1.‬ ‭Collective Security Arrangements (Article 53):‬
‭○‬ ‭The UN Charter recognizes the role of regional arrangements or agencies for‬
‭dealing with matters relating to the maintenance of international peace and‬
‭security. These arrangements can take collective security measures with the‬
‭authorization of the Security Council.‬
‭2.‬ ‭Examples:‬
‭○‬ ‭Regional organizations such as the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) or‬
‭the African Union (AU) can engage in collective security actions within their‬
‭respective regions. These actions might include military operations authorized by‬
‭the Security Council or undertaken with the consent of the states involved.‬
‭Challenges and Considerations:‬
‭1.‬ ‭Consensus and Division:‬
‭○‬ ‭Security Council decisions regarding the use of force require the consensus of its‬
‭permanent members (P5). Disagreements among these members can hinder‬
‭collective action.‬
‭2.‬ ‭Impartiality and Legitimacy:‬
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‭International Law by Arees Khan Mangi‬
‭○‬ C
‭ ollective actions must be perceived as legitimate by the international community‬
‭and should be conducted impartially, respecting the sovereignty and rights of the‬
‭parties involved.‬
‭3.‬ ‭Peacebuilding and Long-Term Solutions:‬
‭○‬ ‭Collective military interventions should be accompanied by peacebuilding efforts‬
‭to address the root causes of conflicts, promote stability, and prevent a‬
‭resurgence of violence after military operations end.‬
‭ he collective use of force in international law is a complex and sensitive issue, balancing the‬
T
‭need for international peace and security with respect for state sovereignty and the principles of‬
‭the UN Charter. Decisions related to collective security are taken seriously and involve careful‬
‭consideration of legal, political, and humanitarian factors.‬
‭Humanitarian Intervention‬
‭ umanitarian intervention refers to the use of military force by one or more states or‬
H
‭international organizations to protect people within another state from grave human rights‬
‭abuses or to alleviate human suffering, even without the consent of the government of the‬
‭targeted state. Humanitarian intervention raises complex legal, ethical, and political questions in‬
‭international law. Here are the key points related to humanitarian intervention:‬
‭1. Legal Ambiguity:‬
‭●‬ H
‭ umanitarian intervention lacks clear legal standing under international law. The UN‬
‭Charter prohibits the use of force except in cases of self-defense or when authorized by‬
‭the Security Council. The concept of humanitarian intervention falls into a legal gray area‬
‭because it is not explicitly addressed in the Charter.‬
‭2. Responsibility to Protect (R2P):‬
‭●‬ T
‭ he Responsibility to Protect (R2P) is a principle endorsed by the United Nations, stating‬
‭that states have a responsibility to protect their populations from genocide, war crimes,‬
‭ethnic cleansing, and crimes against humanity. If a state is manifestly failing to protect its‬
‭population, the international community has a responsibility to intervene. However, R2P‬
‭does not provide a clear legal framework for intervention.‬
‭3. Security Council Authorization:‬
‭●‬ T
‭ he most widely accepted legal basis for humanitarian intervention is a Security Council‬
‭resolution authorizing the use of force under Chapter VII of the UN Charter. However,‬
‭obtaining Security Council approval is often challenging due to political disagreements‬
‭among member states, leading to cases where humanitarian interventions occur without‬
‭UN authorization.‬
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‭International Law by Arees Khan Mangi‬
‭4. Controversies and Debates:‬
‭●‬ H
‭ umanitarian interventions, such as the NATO intervention in Kosovo (1999) and the‬
‭military actions in Libya (2011), have sparked debates about the legality, legitimacy, and‬
‭effectiveness of such interventions. Critics argue that unilateral or unauthorized‬
‭interventions can undermine the principle of state sovereignty and lead to unintended‬
‭consequences.‬
‭5. Regional Organizations and Humanitarian Intervention:‬
‭●‬ S
‭ ome regional organizations, like the African Union, have adopted frameworks that allow‬
‭for intervention in cases of grave human rights abuses. These regional mechanisms aim‬
‭to address conflicts and crises within their respective regions, often emphasizing the‬
‭principle of non-indifference.‬
‭6. Preventing Mass Atrocities:‬
‭●‬ T
‭ he prevention of mass atrocities is a shared international goal, and there is ongoing‬
‭debate about how the international community can best respond to such situations.‬
‭Diplomatic, economic, and legal measures are often explored before resorting to military‬
‭force.‬
‭7. Principle of Humanity:‬
‭●‬ S
‭ ome legal scholars argue that the principle of humanity, a fundamental norm of‬
‭customary international law, provides a moral and legal basis for humanitarian‬
‭intervention. However, this argument lacks widespread acceptance and remains‬
‭controversial.‬
I‭n summary, humanitarian intervention remains a contentious and evolving area of international‬
‭law. While there is a growing acknowledgment of the responsibility to protect vulnerable‬
‭populations, there is no universally accepted legal framework governing humanitarian‬
‭intervention. Decisions to intervene are often influenced by political considerations, making the‬
‭application of humanitarian intervention principles complex and subject to international debate‬
‭and scrutiny.‬
‭ xample Nato bombings f kosovo 1999 even went through the veto, us led air‬
E
‭strikes‬
‭Dispute settlement‬
‭Peaceful resolution‬
‭56‬
‭International Law by Arees Khan Mangi‬
‭ eaceful resolution in international law refers to the diplomatic and legal processes used to‬
P
‭resolve disputes and conflicts between states without resorting to armed force. It is a‬
‭fundamental principle of international relations and is enshrined in the United Nations Charter,‬
‭which prohibits the use of force except in self-defense or when authorized by the Security‬
‭Council.‬
‭ ring about by peaceful means and in conformity with the principles of justice, and‬
B
‭international law, adjustment or settlement of international disputes or situations‬
‭which might lead to a breach of peace -Article 1 of the UN charter‬
‭ embers must settler their international disputes by peaceful means in such a‬
m
‭manner that international peace and security, and justice, are not endangered.‬
‭-Article 2(2) of the UN charter‬
‭ NGA can make recommendations for peaceful adjustment according to article 14‬
U
‭of UN charter‬
‭Article 2(3)‬
‭Peaceful resolution methods include:‬
‭1. Negotiation:‬
‭●‬ B
‭ ilateral or Multilateral Talks:‬‭States engage in‬‭direct negotiations or involve mediators‬
‭to facilitate discussions and find mutually acceptable solutions to their disputes.‬
‭2. Mediation:‬
‭●‬ T
‭ hird-Party Mediation:‬‭Neutral third parties, such‬‭as individuals, organizations, or‬
‭states, facilitate negotiations between conflicting parties to help them reach a settlement.‬
‭3. Arbitration:‬
‭●‬ N
‭ eutral Arbitrators:‬‭Parties agree to submit their‬‭dispute to an impartial third party or a‬
‭panel of arbitrators. The decision is binding and provides a resolution to the conflict.‬
‭4. Adjudication:‬
‭●‬ I‭nternational Courts and Tribunals:‬‭Disputes can be‬‭brought before international‬
‭judicial bodies, such as the International Court of Justice (ICJ), where legal arguments‬
‭are presented, and judgments are issued based on international law.‬
‭5. Good Offices:‬
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‭International Law by Arees Khan Mangi‬
‭●‬ F
‭ acilitation and Conciliation:‬‭Trusted individuals or organizations provide assistance‬
‭to parties in resolving their disputes, offering suggestions and facilitating communication.‬
‭6. Fact-Finding and Inquiry:‬
‭●‬ I‭nvestigative Panels:‬‭Independent panels investigate‬‭facts related to a dispute and‬
‭present their findings, which can help clarify issues and facilitate negotiations.‬
‭7. Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding:‬
‭●‬ U
‭ nited Nations Peacekeeping Missions:‬‭UN peacekeepers‬‭are deployed to conflict‬
‭zones to maintain peace, protect civilians, and support the implementation of peace‬
‭agreements.‬
‭●‬ ‭Post-Conflict Reconstruction:‬‭Efforts are made to‬‭rebuild societies, establish‬
‭governance structures, and promote economic development after conflicts to ensure‬
‭lasting peace.‬
‭8. Diplomatic Measures:‬
‭●‬ S
‭ anctions and Embargoes:‬‭Diplomatic and economic measures,‬‭such as sanctions‬
‭and arms embargoes, can be imposed by international bodies or individual states to‬
‭encourage parties to resolve their disputes peacefully.‬
‭9. Preventive Diplomacy:‬
‭●‬ E
‭ arly Warning Systems:‬‭International organizations‬‭use early warning mechanisms to‬
‭identify potential conflicts and intervene before situations escalate, preventing conflicts‬
‭from arising.‬
‭10. Regional Initiatives:‬
‭●‬ R
‭ egional Organizations:‬‭Regional bodies, like the‬‭African Union, European Union, or‬
‭ASEAN, facilitate peaceful resolution within their member states through diplomacy,‬
‭mediation, and conflict prevention efforts.‬
‭11. Peace Agreements:‬
‭●‬ C
‭ easefires and Peace Treaties:‬‭Parties in conflict‬‭can negotiate and sign agreements,‬
‭such as ceasefires or peace treaties, to halt hostilities and establish long-term peace.‬
‭12. Non-Governmental Diplomacy:‬
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‭International Law by Arees Khan Mangi‬
‭●‬ N
‭ GO Mediation:‬‭Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) often play a role in mediation‬
‭efforts, leveraging their expertise and neutrality to facilitate dialogue between conflicting‬
‭parties.‬
‭ eaceful resolution methods underscore the importance of dialogue, negotiation, and respect‬
P
‭for international law in resolving disputes. These methods promote stability, security, and‬
‭cooperation among nations, contributing to the overall maintenance of peace and security in the‬
‭international community.‬
‭Coercive means‬
‭1.‬ R
‭ etorsion → Retaliation = not to endanger anyone, rather through peaceful means such‬
‭as cutting ties‬
‭2.‬ ‭Reprisal‬
‭3.‬ ‭Embargo‬
‭4.‬ ‭Pacific blockade‬
‭5.‬ ‭Intervention‬
‭ oercive means of dispute settlement in international relations involve the use or threat of force,‬
C
‭sanctions, or other punitive measures to compel parties in a dispute to comply with a specific‬
‭course of action or to bring them to the negotiating table. While international law generally‬
‭promotes peaceful dispute resolution, there are situations where coercive measures are‬
‭employed, particularly when peaceful methods have failed or when there are threats to‬
‭international peace and security. Some of these coercive means include:‬
‭1. Economic Sanctions:‬
‭●‬ T
‭ rade Embargoes:‬‭Restrictions on imports and exports‬‭with the aim of putting economic‬
‭pressure on the target country.‬
‭●‬ ‭Financial Sanctions:‬‭Freezing assets, restricting‬‭financial transactions, or cutting off‬
‭access to international banking systems.‬
‭●‬ ‭Investment Restrictions:‬‭Discouraging foreign investment‬‭or preventing domestic‬
‭companies from investing in the target country.‬
‭2. Diplomatic Measures:‬
‭●‬ R
‭ ecall of Diplomats:‬‭Withdrawing ambassadors and diplomatic‬‭staff to signal‬
‭dissatisfaction and protest against the target country's actions.‬
‭●‬ ‭Downgrading or Breaking Diplomatic Relations:‬‭Reducing‬‭or severing diplomatic ties‬
‭as a response to provocative actions or policies.‬
‭3. Military Measures:‬
‭●‬ B
‭ lockades:‬‭Preventing the passage of goods or people‬‭to or from the target country by‬
‭sea, land, or air.‬
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‭International Law by Arees Khan Mangi‬
‭●‬ L
‭ imited Military Strikes:‬‭Conducting limited military operations to destroy specific‬
‭targets or infrastructure.‬
‭●‬ ‭No-Fly Zones:‬‭Prohibiting military aircraft from flying‬‭in designated airspace.‬
‭4. Arms Embargo:‬
‭●‬ I‭mposing restrictions on the sale, transfer, or supply of arms and military equipment to‬
‭the target country.‬
‭5. International Military Intervention:‬
‭●‬ A
‭ uthorizing military intervention by international coalitions or organizations, often under‬
‭the auspices of collective security arrangements or United Nations Security Council‬
‭resolutions.‬
‭6. Cyber Measures:‬
‭●‬ C
‭ yber Attacks:‬‭Launching cyber attacks to disrupt‬‭or damage a target country's critical‬
‭infrastructure, communications, or military capabilities.‬
‭7. Travel Bans:‬
‭●‬ I‭mposing restrictions on the travel of individuals associated with the target country's‬
‭government or entities, preventing them from visiting other countries.‬
‭8. Legal Measures:‬
‭●‬ I‭nternational Criminal Court (ICC):‬‭Initiating legal‬‭proceedings against individuals for‬
‭crimes against humanity, war crimes, or genocide.‬
‭●‬ ‭Special Tribunals:‬‭Establishing ad hoc international‬‭tribunals to prosecute individuals‬
‭responsible for specific international crimes.‬
I‭t's important to note that the use of coercive measures is often controversial and raises ethical‬
‭and legal questions. The United Nations Charter strictly regulates the use of force, allowing‬
‭military action only in cases of self-defense or when authorized by the United Nations Security‬
‭Council. Coercive measures can have significant humanitarian and social consequences, and‬
‭their effectiveness in achieving desired outcomes varies depending on the context and the‬
‭cooperation of the international community.‬
‭Role of ICJ‬
‭ he International Court of Justice (ICJ), also known as the World Court, plays a significant role‬
T
‭in the peaceful settlement of international disputes. Established by the United Nations Charter,‬
‭the ICJ is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. Its role in the peaceful settlement of‬
‭disputes includes the following aspects:‬
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‭International Law by Arees Khan Mangi‬
‭1. Adjudication:‬
‭●‬ T
‭ he ICJ hears legal disputes between states and delivers judgments based on‬
‭international law. States can bring cases before the ICJ voluntarily (by consent) or when‬
‭they are parties to treaties or conventions that confer jurisdiction on the Court.‬
‭2. Contentious Cases:‬
‭●‬ S
‭ tates can submit contentious cases to the ICJ, which then examines the legal‬
‭arguments presented by the parties involved. The Court's judgment is binding and‬
‭provides a peaceful and lawful resolution to the dispute.‬
‭3. Advisory Opinions:‬
‭●‬ T
‭ he ICJ can provide advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by authorized UN‬
‭organs and specialized agencies. Although advisory opinions are not binding, they carry‬
‭significant legal weight and are valuable in resolving complex legal issues.‬
‭4. Interpretation of Treaties:‬
‭●‬ T
‭ he ICJ interprets treaties and conventions when requested by states parties to these‬
‭agreements. Its interpretations provide clarity on the legal obligations of the parties‬
‭involved, contributing to peaceful relations.‬
‭5. Application of International Law:‬
‭●‬ T
‭ he ICJ ensures the consistent application and development of international law by‬
‭providing authoritative and impartial interpretations of legal principles and norms,‬
‭promoting a stable and predictable international legal system.‬
‭6. Resolution of Legal Disputes:‬
‭●‬ B
‭ y offering a forum for the resolution of legal disputes, the ICJ encourages states to‬
‭settle their differences through peaceful means, preventing conflicts from escalating into‬
‭armed confrontations.‬
‭7. Contributing to International Stability:‬
‭●‬ T
‭ he ICJ's decisions and advisory opinions contribute to international stability by fostering‬
‭a sense of legal order and predictability in the conduct of states. This stability is crucial‬
‭for maintaining peaceful relations among nations.‬
‭8. Encouraging Dialogue and Diplomacy:‬
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‭International Law by Arees Khan Mangi‬
‭●‬ T
‭ he process of submitting cases to the ICJ often involves diplomatic dialogue between‬
‭the disputing parties. Even before reaching the Court, parties engage in negotiations and‬
‭consultations, encouraging peaceful settlement efforts.‬
‭9. Promoting Rule of Law:‬
‭●‬ B
‭ y upholding the rule of law at the international level, the ICJ promotes the peaceful‬
‭resolution of disputes through established legal procedures, reinforcing the principle that‬
‭states are bound by international law and treaties.‬
‭ he ICJ's role in the peaceful settlement of disputes highlights the importance of international‬
T
‭law and the judicial process in resolving conflicts and maintaining global peace and security. Its‬
‭decisions contribute significantly to the development of international legal principles and the‬
‭resolution of contentious issues in the international arena.‬
‭1.‬ ‭the settlement of international disputes‬
‭1.‬ ‭negotiation‬
‭2.‬ ‭mediation‬
‭3.‬ ‭inquiry‬
‭4.‬ ‭settlement by un‬
‭5.‬ ‭conciliation‬
‭6.‬ ‭arbitration‬
‭7.‬ ‭icj‬
‭Human rights‬
‭International humanitarian law‬
‭Development of international humanitarian law‬
‭ he development of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) has been a continuous process‬
T
‭shaped by historical events, armed conflicts, diplomatic efforts, and evolving societal values.‬
‭Here are the key stages in the development of IHL:‬
‭1. Early Codification and Conventions:‬
‭●‬ T
‭ he mid-19th century saw the emergence of the first international agreements‬
‭addressing the treatment of wounded soldiers on the battlefield. The First Geneva‬
‭Convention of 1864 laid the foundation for IHL, promoting the humane treatment of‬
‭wounded and sick military personnel.‬
‭2. Hague Conventions:‬
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‭International Law by Arees Khan Mangi‬
‭●‬ T
‭ he early 20th century witnessed the Hague Conventions of 1899 and 1907, which‬
‭focused on the laws and customs of war. These conventions established rules regarding‬
‭the conduct of hostilities, including the treatment of prisoners of war and civilians.‬
‭3. Geneva Conventions:‬
‭●‬ T
‭ he four Geneva Conventions of 1949 expanded the scope of IHL, addressing the‬
‭protection of wounded and sick soldiers at sea, prisoners of war, and civilians, including‬
‭those in occupied territories. These conventions established fundamental principles‬
‭governing armed conflicts and provided crucial protections for individuals affected by‬
‭war.‬
‭4. Additional Protocols:‬
‭●‬ T
‭ he Additional Protocols of 1977 (Protocol I and Protocol II) strengthened the protection‬
‭of victims of international and non-international armed conflicts, respectively. Protocol I‬
‭introduced rules concerning the protection of civilians, while Protocol II focused on‬
‭conflicts within a single country. These protocols clarified and expanded existing‬
‭provisions in IHL.‬
‭5. Customary International Law:‬
‭●‬ C
‭ ustomary international law, which arises from established state practices, also plays a‬
‭significant role in IHL. Over time, certain practices and rules have become customary,‬
‭reinforcing and expanding the protections provided by treaties and conventions.‬
‭6. International Criminal Tribunals:‬
‭●‬ T
‭ he establishment of international criminal tribunals, such as the International Criminal‬
‭Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and the International Criminal Tribunal for‬
‭Rwanda (ICTR), contributed to the development and enforcement of IHL. These‬
‭tribunals prosecuted individuals for violations of IHL, setting important precedents in the‬
‭interpretation of the law.‬
‭7. International Criminal Court (ICC):‬
‭●‬ T
‭ he International Criminal Court, established in 2002, serves as a permanent‬
‭international court to prosecute individuals for the most serious crimes of international‬
‭concern, including war crimes and crimes against humanity. The ICC reinforces the‬
‭accountability framework of IHL and promotes its implementation.‬
‭8. Emerging Challenges:‬
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‭International Law by Arees Khan Mangi‬
‭●‬ C
‭ ontemporary challenges, such as cyber warfare, autonomous weapons, and the‬
‭protection of civilians in urban warfare, are shaping the ongoing development of IHL.‬
‭Efforts are underway to adapt existing laws to address these modern complexities and‬
‭ensure the continued relevance of IHL in the face of evolving technologies and conflict‬
‭scenarios.‬
‭ he development of International Humanitarian Law reflects the international community's‬
T
‭commitment to mitigating the impact of armed conflicts on civilians, combatants, and other‬
‭affected individuals. It remains a dynamic field, adapting to new challenges while upholding the‬
‭fundamental principles of humanity, proportionality, and distinction between civilian and military‬
‭targets.‬
‭International and non-international armed conflicts‬
I‭nternational and non-international armed conflicts are two categories used in International‬
‭Humanitarian Law (IHL) to differentiate between different types of armed conflicts. These‬
‭distinctions are crucial as they determine the applicability and scope of certain rules and‬
‭protections under IHL.‬
‭International Armed Conflicts:‬
‭1.‬ D
‭ efinition:‬‭International armed conflicts occur between‬‭two or more states. They involve‬
‭the use of armed force between sovereign states, whether declared or undeclared,‬
‭resulting in a situation of war.‬
‭2.‬ ‭Applicability of Geneva Conventions:‬‭International‬‭armed conflicts are governed‬
‭primarily by the four Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their Additional Protocols. These‬
‭treaties provide comprehensive protection to wounded and sick soldiers, prisoners of‬
‭war, and civilians in the territories of the parties to the conflict.‬
‭3.‬ ‭Role of International Bodies:‬‭International bodies‬‭such as the International Court of‬
‭Justice (ICJ) and the International Criminal Court (ICC) have jurisdiction over crimes‬
‭committed during international armed conflicts.‬
‭4.‬ ‭Examples:‬‭World War I and II are classic examples‬‭of international armed conflicts.‬
‭Non-International Armed Conflicts:‬
‭1.‬ D
‭ efinition:‬‭Non-international armed conflicts, also‬‭known as internal conflicts or civil‬
‭wars, occur within the territory of a single state. They involve hostilities between‬
‭government forces and non-state armed groups, or between such groups within the‬
‭borders of a state.‬
‭2.‬ ‭Applicability of Common Article 3:‬‭Common Article‬‭3 of the Geneva Conventions‬
‭applies to non-international armed conflicts. It provides basic humanitarian protections to‬
‭individuals not taking part in the hostilities, including civilians and captured fighters.‬
‭Additional Protocol II applies in certain non-international armed conflicts of a certain‬
‭intensity and scope.‬
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‭International Law by Arees Khan Mangi‬
‭3.‬ R
‭ ole of International Bodies:‬‭While international armed conflicts fall under the‬
‭jurisdiction of various international bodies, non-international armed conflicts are primarily‬
‭subject to the jurisdiction of domestic courts. However, the ICC can also intervene in‬
‭cases of severe crimes committed during non-international armed conflicts if the state is‬
‭unable or unwilling to prosecute.‬
‭4.‬ ‭Examples:‬‭Conflicts such as the Syrian Civil War,‬‭the conflict in Afghanistan involving‬
‭the Taliban, and the civil war in South Sudan are examples of non-international armed‬
‭conflicts.‬
I‭t's important to note that these categories are not always black and white. In some situations,‬
‭determining the classification can be complex, especially in cases involving non-state actors‬
‭with varying degrees of organization and control over territory. Nonetheless, the distinction‬
‭between international and non-international armed conflicts guides the application of specific‬
‭rules and protections under international law.‬
‭Non-International Armed Conflict, ‘Combatant’ and ‘Protected Persons’,‬
‭●‬ ‭what are NIACs‬
‭ on-international armed conflicts (NIACs), also known as internal conflicts or civil wars,‬
N
‭are situations of prolonged violence and hostilities occurring within the borders of a‬
‭single state. In these conflicts, government forces are engaged in combat with non-state‬
‭armed groups, or these non-state groups are fighting among themselves. International‬
‭Humanitarian Law (IHL) provides important protections to individuals affected by‬
‭non-international armed conflicts. Here are the key aspects of non-international armed‬
‭conflicts in IHL:‬
‭1. Applicability of Common Article 3:‬
‭1.‬ C
‭ ommon Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions applies to all parties involved in a‬
‭non-international armed conflict. It provides fundamental humanitarian‬
‭protections to individuals who are not taking part in the hostilities, including‬
‭civilians and combatants who are no longer actively participating in the conflict.‬
‭●‬ ‭2. Basic Protections Under Common Article 3:‬
‭1.‬ C
‭ ommon Article 3 prohibits violence to life and person, cruel treatment, torture,‬
‭and outrages upon personal dignity. It mandates that wounded and sick persons‬
‭must be cared for and provides certain protections for detained individuals.‬
‭●‬ ‭3. Additional Protections under Additional Protocol II:‬
‭1.‬ A
‭ dditional Protocol II of 1977 applies to non-international armed conflicts of a‬
‭certain intensity and scope. It provides more detailed protections for civilians and‬
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‭International Law by Arees Khan Mangi‬
t‭hose no longer taking part in the hostilities, as well as rules regulating the‬
‭conduct of hostilities by the parties involved.‬
‭●‬ ‭4. Protection of Civilians:‬
‭1.‬ C
‭ ivilians must be protected from the effects of hostilities. This includes protection‬
‭against direct attacks, as well as measures to ensure access to essential‬
‭humanitarian assistance, such as food, water, and medical supplies.‬
‭●‬ ‭5. Prohibition of Indiscriminate Attacks:‬
‭1.‬ P
‭ arties to a non-international armed conflict are prohibited from launching attacks‬
‭that do not distinguish between civilians and combatants or civilian objects and‬
‭military objectives. Indiscriminate attacks are strictly prohibited.‬
‭●‬ ‭6. Role of International Bodies, Including the ICC:‬
‭1.‬ T
‭ he International Criminal Court (ICC) has jurisdiction over serious crimes‬
‭committed in the context of a non-international armed conflict. This includes‬
‭crimes against humanity, war crimes, and, in specific cases, the crime of‬
‭genocide.‬
‭●‬ ‭7. Protection of Detainees:‬
‭1.‬ I‭ndividuals detained in the context of a non-international armed conflict are‬
‭entitled to humane treatment and fair trial guarantees. They should not be‬
‭subjected to torture, cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment.‬
‭ ‬ ‭In summary, IHL ensures that even in the chaos of non-international armed conflicts,‬
●
‭certain fundamental principles are respected, safeguarding the lives and dignity of‬
‭civilians and individuals no longer participating in hostilities. These rules are essential for‬
‭mitigating the impact of internal conflicts and upholding basic human rights, even in the‬
‭midst of violence and instability.‬
‭1. Intensity Threshold:‬
‭1.‬ W
‭ hile Common Article 3 applies to all non-international armed conflicts,‬
‭Additional Protocol II sets a higher threshold, defining NIACs based on their‬
‭intensity. Although the definition can be complex, it generally refers to conflicts‬
‭involving protracted armed confrontations and organized armed groups within a‬
‭country's territory.‬
‭●‬ ‭2. Non-State Armed Groups:‬
‭1.‬ N
‭ IACs often involve non-state armed groups, such as rebel forces, insurgent‬
‭movements, or militias, fighting against government forces or sometimes against‬
‭each other. These groups might not have the formal recognition of a state but are‬
‭still bound by certain IHL obligations.‬
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‭International Law by Arees Khan Mangi‬
‭●‬ ‭3. Challenges in NIACs:‬
‭1.‬ N
‭ on-international armed conflicts pose unique challenges due to the blurred lines‬
‭between combatants and civilians, making it difficult to distinguish legitimate‬
‭targets. Additionally, the fragmented nature of armed groups can complicate‬
‭efforts to establish responsibility for violations of IHL.‬
‭●‬ ‭4. Role of National Authorities:‬
‭1.‬ N
‭ ational authorities bear the primary responsibility for ensuring IHL compliance‬
‭within their territories during NIACs. This includes investigating and prosecuting‬
‭individuals responsible for IHL violations, ensuring the protection of civilians, and‬
‭providing humanitarian assistance.‬
‭●‬ ‭5. Humanitarian Access:‬
‭1.‬ E
‭ nsuring humanitarian access to affected populations is critical in NIACs.‬
‭Humanitarian organizations, including the International Committee of the Red‬
‭Cross (ICRC) and other humanitarian agencies, work to provide essential aid,‬
‭medical care, and protection to civilians in conflict zones.‬
‭●‬ ‭6. Transitional Justice:‬
‭1.‬ I‭n post-conflict settings, addressing the legacies of non-international armed‬
‭conflicts often involves implementing transitional justice mechanisms. These‬
‭mechanisms, such as truth and reconciliation commissions and prosecutions for‬
‭war crimes, aim to promote accountability, justice, and reconciliation within‬
‭society.‬
‭●‬ ‭7. Contemporary Challenges:‬
‭1.‬ M
‭ odern conflicts, especially those involving non-state armed groups with‬
‭transnational connections, present challenges in applying IHL. Issues like foreign‬
‭fighters, terrorism, and cyber warfare have prompted ongoing discussions about‬
‭adapting existing legal frameworks to address evolving conflict dynamics.‬
‭●‬ ‭8. Promotion of IHL Compliance:‬
‭1.‬ E
‭ fforts are made by international organizations, NGOs, and states to promote‬
‭awareness of IHL principles among armed groups, military forces, and civilians in‬
‭conflict-affected regions. Training programs, workshops, and dissemination‬
‭activities are conducted to enhance understanding and adherence to IHL norms.‬
‭ ‬ ‭In summary, non-international armed conflicts continue to be a complex and evolving‬
●
‭aspect of the international landscape. Efforts to strengthen IHL compliance, protect‬
‭vulnerable populations, and hold violators accountable are ongoing endeavors aimed at‬
‭mitigating the humanitarian impact of such conflicts and upholding the principles of‬
‭67‬
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‭humanity, distinction, proportionality, and necessity even in challenging circumstances.‬
‭●‬ ‭Combatants and protected persons‬
‭In a non-international armed conflict (NIAC), the distinction between "combatants" and‬
"‭ protected persons" is crucial, as it determines the level of protection individuals are‬
‭entitled to under International Humanitarian Law (IHL). Let's break down these terms:‬
‭Combatants in Non-International Armed Conflicts:‬
‭1.‬ D
‭ efinition:‬‭Combatants are individuals who are members‬‭of the armed forces or‬
‭armed groups engaged in the hostilities during a non-international armed conflict.‬
‭They directly participate in the fighting, making them legitimate targets for enemy‬
‭forces.‬
‭2.‬ ‭Rights and Protections:‬
‭■‬ ‭Combatants can be lawfully targeted by opposing parties during the‬
‭conflict.‬
‭■‬ ‭They are entitled to prisoner-of-war status if captured by government‬
‭forces. This status grants certain protections under the Third Geneva‬
‭Convention, ensuring humane treatment and the right to be released and‬
‭repatriated after the conflict ends.‬
‭●‬ ‭Protected Persons in Non-International Armed Conflicts:‬
‭1.‬ D
‭ efinition:‬‭Protected persons include civilians and‬‭individuals who are no longer‬
‭taking part in the hostilities, such as the sick, wounded, or captured fighters who‬
‭have laid down their arms, and those placed hors de combat (out of the fight) due‬
‭to injury, detention, or any other cause.‬
‭2.‬ ‭Rights and Protections:‬
‭■‬ ‭Protected persons, specifically civilians, are not directly participating in‬
‭the hostilities and must not be targeted indiscriminately or deliberately.‬
‭■‬ ‭They are entitled to fundamental protections outlined in Common Article 3‬
‭of the Geneva Conventions and Additional Protocol II, including the‬
‭prohibition of violence to life, inhuman treatment, and unfair trials.‬
‭■‬ ‭Captured fighters who are no longer participating in the conflict are‬
‭entitled to humane treatment and legal protections, such as the right to a‬
‭fair trial if accused of crimes.‬
‭●‬ ‭Challenges in Distinguishing Combatants and Protected Persons:‬
‭1.‬ B
‭ lurred Lines:‬‭In many non-international armed conflicts,‬‭especially those‬
‭involving non-state armed groups, distinguishing combatants from civilians can‬
‭be challenging due to the fluid nature of these groups and the absence of clear‬
‭uniforms or distinct markings.‬
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‭2.‬ C
‭ hild Soldiers:‬‭The participation of children in armed groups adds complexity,‬
‭as they are entitled to special protections as both children and persons no longer‬
‭participating in the hostilities when captured or demobilized.‬
‭3.‬ ‭Treatment of Detained Fighters:‬‭Ensuring proper treatment‬‭for captured‬
‭fighters who are no longer combatants is essential. They should be treated with‬
‭dignity and respect, and their legal status must be determined promptly.‬
‭ ‬ ‭Understanding the distinctions between combatants and protected persons is vital for‬
●
‭ensuring compliance with IHL during non-international armed conflicts. It helps‬
‭safeguard the rights of individuals, protect civilians, and maintain the humanitarian‬
‭principles that underpin the law, even in the midst of conflict.‬
‭Protection of Wounded, Sick, and Ship-WreckedPersons, POWs, Civilians,‬
I‭nternational Humanitarian Law (IHL) provides comprehensive protections for various categories‬
‭of individuals affected by armed conflicts. Here's an overview of the protections afforded to‬
‭wounded, sick, and ship-wrecked persons, prisoners of war (POWs), and civilians under IHL:‬
‭1. Protection of Wounded, Sick, and Ship-Wrecked Persons:‬
‭●‬ G
‭ eneva Conventions:‬‭The First Geneva Convention (1949)‬‭specifically addresses the‬
‭protection of wounded and sick military personnel on the battlefield. It requires parties to‬
‭the conflict to provide medical care and ensure the humane treatment of these‬
‭individuals. Similar protections are extended to ship-wrecked persons under the Second‬
‭Geneva Convention.‬
‭●‬ ‭Medical Personnel and Facilities:‬‭Medical personnel,‬‭hospitals, and other medical‬
‭facilities must be respected and protected. They are not to be targeted, and medical‬
‭personnel must be allowed to carry out their duties without hindrance.‬
‭2. Protection of Prisoners of War (POWs):‬
‭●‬ T
‭ hird Geneva Convention:‬‭The Third Geneva Convention‬‭(1949) outlines the‬
‭protections and rights of prisoners of war (POWs). It prohibits violence, intimidation,‬
‭insults, and public curiosity toward POWs. POWs are entitled to humane treatment,‬
‭medical care, and the right to correspond with their families.‬
‭●‬ ‭Prohibition of Torture and Inhumane Treatment:‬‭Torture,‬‭cruel, inhuman, or‬
‭degrading treatment or punishment of POWs is strictly prohibited.‬
‭3. Protection of Civilians:‬
‭●‬ F
‭ ourth Geneva Convention:‬‭The Fourth Geneva Convention‬‭(1949) focuses on the‬
‭protection of civilians during times of armed conflict, including those in occupied‬
‭territories. Civilians must be protected against violence, pillage, and reprisals. They are‬
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‭ ntitled to respect for their persons, honor, family rights, religious convictions, and‬
e
‭practices.‬
‭ ‬ ‭Principle of Distinction:‬‭Parties to the conflict‬‭must distinguish between civilian‬
●
‭populations and combatants. Deliberate attacks on civilians or civilian objects, as well as‬
‭indiscriminate attacks, are prohibited.‬
‭4. Additional Protections:‬
‭●‬ A
‭ dditional Protocols:‬‭Additional Protocol I and II‬‭(1977) provide additional protections,‬
‭especially for civilians and non-combatants in international and non-international armed‬
‭conflicts, respectively. These protocols emphasize the importance of minimizing civilian‬
‭casualties and protecting civilian infrastructure.‬
‭●‬ ‭Protection of Specific Groups:‬‭IHL includes provisions‬‭for the protection of specific‬
‭groups such as women, children, and journalists. Special attention is given to their‬
‭needs and vulnerabilities during armed conflicts.‬
‭1. Protection of Civilians:‬
‭●‬ C
‭ ivilian Immunity:‬‭Civilians are protected from direct‬‭attack, and indiscriminate attacks‬
‭that may harm them are strictly prohibited.‬
‭●‬ ‭Humanitarian Assistance:‬‭Civilians affected by armed‬‭conflict must have access to‬
‭essential humanitarian assistance, including food, water, medical supplies, and shelter.‬
‭●‬ ‭Prohibition of Forced Displacement:‬‭Forced displacement‬‭of civilians, except for their‬
‭own safety or for imperative military reasons, is prohibited.‬
‭2. Protection of Specific Groups:‬
‭●‬ W
‭ omen:‬‭IHL recognizes the specific needs and vulnerabilities‬‭of women during armed‬
‭conflict. It prohibits acts of violence, including rape and other forms of sexual violence.‬
‭●‬ ‭Children:‬‭Special protections are in place for children,‬‭including the prohibition of‬
‭recruitment of child soldiers and the obligation to prioritize their safety, nutrition, and‬
‭education.‬
‭●‬ ‭Journalists and Medical Personnel:‬‭Journalists and‬‭medical personnel, when‬
‭performing their duties, are considered non-combatants and must be protected from‬
‭harm. Deliberate attacks on them are war crimes.‬
‭3. Protection of Cultural Property:‬
‭●‬ C
‭ ultural property, such as monuments, museums, and places of worship, is protected‬
‭from destruction or theft during armed conflict. Deliberate attacks on cultural heritage‬
‭sites are considered war crimes.‬
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‭4. Prohibition of Certain Weapons:‬
‭●‬ I‭HL prohibits the use of weapons that cause excessive harm or have indiscriminate‬
‭effects, such as chemical and biological weapons, landmines, and cluster munitions.‬
‭●‬ ‭The use of certain weapons in densely populated areas, which can cause excessive‬
‭harm to civilians, is also restricted.‬
‭5. Protection of the Environment:‬
‭●‬ I‭HL includes provisions to protect the natural environment during armed conflict. It‬
‭prohibits methods of warfare that cause widespread, long-term, and severe damage to‬
‭the natural environment.‬
‭6. Rights of the Disabled and Elderly:‬
‭●‬ S
‭ pecial attention is given to the rights and needs of disabled persons and the elderly.‬
‭They must be provided with necessary assistance, including medical care and access to‬
‭humanitarian aid.‬
‭7. Principle of Proportionality:‬
‭●‬ P
‭ arties to the conflict must ensure that the military advantage gained from an attack is‬
‭not outweighed by the expected harm to civilians or civilian objects. Disproportionate‬
‭attacks are prohibited.‬
‭8. Individual Criminal Responsibility:‬
‭●‬ I‭ndividuals, including military and civilian leaders, can be held criminally responsible for‬
‭serious violations of IHL. International and hybrid tribunals, such as the International‬
‭Criminal Court (ICC), prosecute individuals for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and‬
‭genocide.‬
I‭nternational Humanitarian Law continues to evolve in response to new challenges and‬
‭situations arising in contemporary armed conflicts. Strengthening compliance with IHL,‬
‭promoting awareness of its principles, and holding violators accountable are crucial steps‬
‭toward ensuring greater protection for all individuals affected by armed conflict.‬
I‭HL reflects a commitment to preserving human dignity, even in the midst of armed conflict. The‬
‭rules and principles outlined in the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols establish‬
‭a framework that ensures the humane treatment of individuals, regardless of their status, and‬
‭aims to mitigate the impact of armed conflict on vulnerable populations.‬
‭Limitations on the Conduct of War,‬
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I‭nternational Humanitarian Law (IHL) imposes several limitations on the conduct of war to‬
‭minimize human suffering and protect those not taking part in hostilities. Here are some specific‬
‭references from IHL regarding the limitations on the conduct of war:‬
‭1. Principle of Distinction (Additional Protocol I, Article 48):‬
‭●‬ P
‭ arties to the conflict must distinguish at all times between civilians and combatants, as‬
‭well as between civilian objects and military objectives. Deliberate attacks on civilians or‬
‭civilian objects are prohibited.‬
‭ . Prohibition of Indiscriminate Attacks (Additional Protocol I, Article‬
2
‭51(4)(a)):‬
‭●‬ I‭ndiscriminate attacks that do not distinguish between civilians and combatants or‬
‭civilian objects and military objectives are strictly prohibited. Methods or means of‬
‭warfare that cannot be directed at a specific military objective are also prohibited.‬
‭ . Prohibition of Disproportionate Attacks (Additional Protocol I, Article‬
3
‭51(5)(b)):‬
‭●‬ A
‭ ttacks that may be expected to cause incidental loss of civilian life, injury to civilians,‬
‭damage to civilian objects, or a combination thereof, which would be excessive in‬
‭relation to the concrete and direct military advantage anticipated, are prohibited.‬
‭ . Protection of Civilians and Civilian Objects (Additional Protocol I, Article‬
4
‭51):‬
‭●‬ C
‭ ivilians and civilian objects must be spared from the effects of hostilities. Civilians must‬
‭not be the object of attack, and civilian objects, such as homes, schools, and hospitals,‬
‭must not be targeted unless they are being used for military purposes.‬
‭ . Protection of Cultural Property (Hague Convention, Article 4 and‬
5
‭Additional Protocol I, Article 53):‬
‭●‬ C
‭ ultural property, including historical monuments, museums, and places of worship,‬
‭must be protected against damage, unless they are being used for military purposes.‬
‭Deliberate attacks on cultural property are prohibited.‬
‭6. Protection of the Natural Environment (Additional Protocol I, Article 35):‬
‭●‬ T
‭ he natural environment, including forests, wildlife, and rivers, must be protected from‬
‭widespread, long-term, and severe damage. Methods of warfare that cause excessive‬
‭harm to the environment are prohibited.‬
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‭ . Prohibition of Starvation of Civilians as a Method of Warfare (Additional‬
7
‭Protocol I, Article 54(1)):‬
‭●‬ I‭t is prohibited to use starvation of civilians as a method of warfare. Parties to the conflict‬
‭must allow humanitarian relief operations for civilians in need.‬
‭8. Protection of Persons Hors de Combat (Additional Protocol I, Article 41):‬
‭●‬ P
‭ ersons who are in the power of an adverse party and are not taking part in the‬
‭hostilities shall be treated humanely. This includes wounded, sick, shipwrecked, and‬
‭prisoners of war.‬
‭ . Prohibition of Torture and Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment‬
9
‭(Customary International Law):‬
‭●‬ T
‭ orture, cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment of anyone, including‬
‭prisoners of war, is strictly prohibited under customary international law and various‬
‭international treaties, including the Convention Against Torture.‬
‭ iolations of these principles and rules constitute serious breaches of IHL and can lead to‬
V
‭individual criminal responsibility, as well as state responsibility under international law.‬
‭Upholding these limitations is crucial for the protection of human dignity during armed conflicts.‬
‭Limits on the Choice of Methods and Means of Warfare‬
I‭nternational Humanitarian Law (IHL) places significant limitations on the choice of methods and‬
‭means of warfare to ensure the protection of civilians and combatants who are no longer taking‬
‭part in hostilities. These limitations are outlined in various treaties and conventions, including‬
‭the Hague Conventions and their Additional Protocols. Here are the key references regarding‬
‭the limits on the choice of methods and means of warfare under IHL:‬
‭1. Principle of Proportionality (Additional Protocol I, Article 51(5)(b)):‬
‭●‬ P
‭ arties to the conflict must ensure that any military attack is not excessive in relation to‬
‭the concrete and direct military advantage anticipated. Disproportionate attacks that‬
‭cause excessive harm to civilians or civilian objects compared to the expected military‬
‭advantage are prohibited.‬
‭ . Prohibition of Indiscriminate Attacks (Additional Protocol I, Article‬
2
‭51(4)(a)):‬
‭●‬ I‭ndiscriminate attacks are strictly prohibited. Parties must not use methods or means of‬
‭warfare that cannot be directed at a specific military objective or that may hit civilians or‬
‭civilian objects without distinction.‬
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‭ . Prohibition of Weapons Causing Unnecessary Suffering or Excessive‬
3
‭Injury (Hague Convention, Article 23):‬
‭●‬ P
‭ arties are prohibited from employing arms, projectiles, or material calculated to cause‬
‭unnecessary suffering. The use of weapons that cause injuries beyond what is‬
‭necessary for military purposes is also prohibited.‬
‭4. Prohibition of Biological and Chemical Weapons (Various Treaties):‬
‭●‬ T
‭ he use of biological or chemical weapons is strictly prohibited under various‬
‭international agreements, including the Biological Weapons Convention and the‬
‭Chemical Weapons Convention.‬
‭ . Protection of the Natural Environment (Additional Protocol I, Article‬
5
‭35(3)):‬
‭●‬ M
‭ ethods or means of warfare that are intended, or may be expected, to cause‬
‭widespread, long-term, and severe damage to the natural environment are prohibited.‬
‭ . Protection of Cultural Property (Hague Convention, Article 4 and‬
6
‭Additional Protocol I, Article 53):‬
‭●‬ P
‭ arties must not use methods or means of warfare that may cause damage to cultural‬
‭property unless it is being used for military purposes.‬
‭ . Protection of Civilians (Additional Protocol I, Article 51 and Additional‬
7
‭Protocol II, Article 13):‬
‭●‬ C
‭ ivilians and civilian objects must not be the target of attacks. The use of methods or‬
‭means of warfare that would result in civilian casualties or damage to civilian objects‬
‭disproportionate to the military advantage gained is prohibited.‬
‭8. Prohibition of Booby-Traps (Additional Protocol II, Article 6):‬
‭●‬ P
‭ arties to a non-international armed conflict are prohibited from using booby-traps in‬
‭civilian dwellings or civilian objects.‬
‭ iolations of these limitations on the choice of methods and means of warfare are considered‬
V
‭war crimes under IHL. It is crucial for parties to armed conflicts to adhere to these rules to‬
‭minimize human suffering and uphold the principles of humanity and the dictates of public‬
‭conscience.‬
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‭ . Restrictions on the Use of Incendiary Weapons (Protocol III to the‬
1
‭Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons):‬
‭●‬ P
‭ rotocol III restricts the use of incendiary weapons, prohibiting attacks against civilians‬
‭or civilian objects located in densely populated areas with incendiary weapons‬
‭containing flammable substances.‬
‭ . Restrictions on the Use of Mines, Booby-Traps, and Other Devices‬
2
‭(Protocol II to the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons):‬
‭●‬ P
‭ rotocol II regulates the use of landmines, booby-traps, and other devices by requiring‬
‭precautions to protect civilians and civilian objects. It also mandates the marking,‬
‭clearance, and removal of such devices after the cessation of hostilities.‬
‭ . Limitations on the Use of Laser Weapons (Protocol IV to the Convention‬
3
‭on Certain Conventional Weapons):‬
‭●‬ P
‭ rotocol IV prohibits blinding laser weapons specifically designed to cause permanent‬
‭blindness to unenhanced vision. The use of such weapons is prohibited under any‬
‭circumstances.‬
‭ . Restrictions on the Use of Explosive Remnants of War (Protocol V to the‬
4
‭Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons):‬
‭●‬ P
‭ rotocol V addresses the humanitarian impact of explosive remnants of war, establishing‬
‭obligations for parties to clear, remove, and mark explosive remnants to protect civilians,‬
‭returnees, and humanitarian missions.‬
‭ . Restrictions on the Use of Nuclear Weapons (Nuclear Weapons‬
5
‭Non-Proliferation Treaty):‬
‭●‬ T
‭ he use of nuclear weapons is generally considered contrary to the principles of IHL due‬
‭to their potential for widespread and long-term harm. The Nuclear Weapons‬
‭Non-Proliferation Treaty aims to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and promote‬
‭disarmament.‬
‭6. Ban on Certain Weapons Under Customary International Law:‬
‭●‬ C
‭ ustomary international law has established a prohibition on certain weapons, such as‬
‭blinding laser weapons, chemical and biological weapons, and weapons causing‬
‭superfluous injury or unnecessary suffering.‬
‭7. Drones and Autonomous Weapons:‬
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‭●‬ D
‭ ebates are ongoing about the ethical and legal implications of unmanned aerial‬
‭vehicles (drones) and autonomous weapons systems. International discussions aim to‬
‭establish guidelines and limitations on their use to ensure compliance with IHL.‬
‭8. Cyber Warfare:‬
‭●‬ T
‭ he use of cyber capabilities in armed conflicts raises legal and ethical questions. Efforts‬
‭are being made to clarify the applicability of existing international law, including IHL, to‬
‭cyber operations during armed conflicts.‬
‭ dherence to these limitations is crucial in contemporary warfare, where technological‬
A
‭advancements present new challenges. The evolving nature of warfare requires continuous‬
‭discussions and updates to ensure the protection of civilians and combatants, uphold human‬
‭dignity, and prevent unnecessary suffering in armed conflicts.‬
‭Human rights‬
‭Self determination‬
‭refugees and asylum‬
‭Extradition‬
‭The state‬
‭State Territorial Sovereignty.‬
‭State Territorial Sovereignty in International Law: An Overview‬
‭ tate territorial sovereignty is a fundamental principle of international law that defines the‬
S
‭exclusive authority of a state over its territory and the absence of external interference in its‬
‭domestic affairs. This principle is enshrined in the United Nations Charter and other international‬
‭agreements, emphasizing the autonomy and independence of states. Here are the key aspects‬
‭of state territorial sovereignty in international law:‬
‭1. Territorial Integrity:‬
‭●‬ D
‭ efinition:‬‭Territorial integrity refers to the inviolability‬‭of a state's borders and the‬
‭prohibition of any use of force or threat of force against the territorial integrity or political‬
‭independence of any state.‬
‭●‬ ‭Relevance:‬‭States have the right to defend their territorial‬‭integrity against aggression,‬
‭and any attempt to violate a state's borders is considered a breach of international law.‬
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‭2. Exclusive Jurisdiction:‬
‭●‬ D
‭ efinition:‬‭States have the exclusive right to exercise‬‭jurisdiction within their territory,‬
‭including enacting laws, maintaining order, and regulating activities within their borders.‬
‭●‬ ‭Relevance:‬‭International law recognizes that states‬‭have the authority to govern their‬
‭territories without interference from other states, ensuring domestic stability and order.‬
‭3. Sovereign Immunity:‬
‭●‬ D
‭ efinition:‬‭Sovereign immunity grants states immunity‬‭from the jurisdiction of foreign‬
‭national courts, protecting them from legal proceedings in other countries' legal systems.‬
‭●‬ ‭Relevance:‬‭Sovereign immunity ensures that states‬‭are shielded from lawsuits in‬
‭foreign courts, safeguarding their sovereignty and independence.‬
‭4. Non-Intervention:‬
‭●‬ D
‭ efinition:‬‭The principle of non-intervention prohibits‬‭states from interfering in the‬
‭internal or external affairs of another state. It encompasses military, political, economic,‬
‭and other forms of intervention.‬
‭●‬ ‭Relevance:‬‭Non-intervention upholds state sovereignty‬‭by preventing external forces‬
‭from influencing a state's domestic policies, preserving its independence and‬
‭self-determination.‬
‭5. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and Territorial Waters:‬
‭●‬ D
‭ efinition:‬‭States have sovereignty over their territorial‬‭waters extending 12 nautical‬
‭miles from the coast and may claim an exclusive economic zone (EEZ) up to 200‬
‭nautical miles for the exploration and use of marine resources.‬
‭●‬ ‭Relevance:‬‭The delineation of territorial waters and‬‭EEZs establishes a state's control‬
‭over its maritime resources, balancing national interests and international cooperation.‬
‭6. Recognition of States:‬
‭●‬ D
‭ efinition:‬‭States have the sovereign right to establish‬‭diplomatic relations with other‬
‭states, granting or withholding recognition based on their own assessment of the other‬
‭state's legitimacy.‬
‭●‬ ‭Relevance:‬‭Recognition of states reflects the acknowledgment‬‭of their territorial‬
‭sovereignty and political independence by other members of the international‬
‭community.‬
‭ tate territorial sovereignty is a cornerstone of international relations, shaping the interactions‬
S
‭between states and underpinning the stability and order of the global system. While it is a‬
‭fundamental principle, it coexists with other principles of international law, ensuring a delicate‬
‭balance between state autonomy and international cooperation.‬
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‭State Responsibility.‬
‭State Responsibility in International Law: A Fundamental Principle‬
‭ tate responsibility in international law refers to the legal obligations and accountability of states‬
S
‭for their actions, both at the domestic and international levels. This principle establishes that‬
‭states are responsible for their conduct and must adhere to their international obligations. Here‬
‭are the key aspects of state responsibility in international law:‬
‭1. Sources of State Responsibility:‬
‭●‬ T
‭ reaties:‬‭States are bound by the treaties they sign‬‭and ratify, and failure to comply with‬
‭treaty obligations constitutes a breach of international law.‬
‭●‬ ‭Customary International Law:‬‭States are also bound‬‭by customary international law,‬
‭which consists of established practices that are accepted as binding, even if states have‬
‭not formally ratified specific treaties.‬
‭●‬ ‭General Principles of Law:‬‭General principles recognized‬‭by civilized nations, including‬
‭principles of justice and fairness, are considered sources of state responsibility.‬
‭2. Responsibility for State Actions:‬
‭●‬ S
‭ tates are responsible for the actions of their government officials, state organs, and‬
‭entities acting on their behalf. This includes actions taken domestically and‬
‭internationally.‬
‭●‬ ‭State responsibility encompasses acts of commission (wrongful actions) and acts of‬
‭omission (failure to act when required).‬
‭3. Content of State Responsibility:‬
‭●‬ O
‭ bligation to Respect, Protect, and Fulfill Human Rights:‬‭States have a duty to‬
‭respect, protect, and fulfill human rights, both within their territories and in their‬
‭international relations. Violations of human rights can lead to state responsibility.‬
‭●‬ ‭Duty of Due Diligence:‬‭States are required to exercise‬‭due diligence to prevent and‬
‭investigate human rights violations, including those committed by private actors within‬
‭their jurisdiction.‬
‭4. Consequences of Breach:‬
‭●‬ D
‭ iplomatic and Political Consequences:‬‭Breaches of‬‭international obligations can‬
‭lead to strained diplomatic relations and affect a state's reputation in the international‬
‭community.‬
‭●‬ ‭Legal Consequences:‬‭States may be subject to legal‬‭proceedings in international‬
‭courts and tribunals. They can be held liable for reparations, including compensation for‬
‭damages caused by their wrongful acts.‬
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‭●‬ C
‭ ountermeasures:‬‭States injured by another state's internationally wrongful act can‬
‭take lawful countermeasures, such as suspending certain treaty obligations, to induce‬
‭the responsible state to comply with its international obligations.‬
‭5. State Responsibility vs. Individual Criminal Responsibility:‬
‭●‬ S
‭ tate responsibility is distinct from individual criminal responsibility. While states are‬
‭responsible for their own actions, individuals can be held criminally accountable for‬
‭international crimes through international criminal tribunals such as the International‬
‭Criminal Court (ICC).‬
‭6. Invocation of State Responsibility:‬
‭●‬ S
‭ tate-to-State Complaints:‬‭States can invoke the responsibility‬‭of another state‬
‭through diplomatic channels, including negotiation, mediation, and arbitration.‬
‭●‬ ‭International Courts and Tribunals:‬‭States can bring‬‭cases before international courts‬
‭and tribunals, such as the International Court of Justice (ICJ), to resolve disputes related‬
‭to state responsibility.‬
‭ tate responsibility in international law emphasizes accountability, adherence to legal‬
S
‭obligations, and the promotion of international peace and security. It serves as a cornerstone for‬
‭the rule of law in the international arena, ensuring that states are accountable for their actions‬
‭and omissions.‬
‭State Jurisdiction.‬
‭State Jurisdiction in International Law: Understanding Its Scope and Limits‬
‭ tate jurisdiction in international law refers to a state's authority to exercise its legal and‬
S
‭regulatory powers within its territory and over its nationals and entities. Jurisdiction is a‬
‭fundamental concept that helps define the boundaries of a state's legal authority in the‬
‭international context. Here are the key aspects of state jurisdiction in international law:‬
‭*1. Types of Jurisdiction:‬
‭a. Territorial Jurisdiction:‬
‭●‬ D
‭ efinition:‬‭Territorial jurisdiction allows a state‬‭to exercise its laws and regulations‬
‭within its geographical boundaries.‬
‭●‬ ‭Scope:‬‭States have full and exclusive jurisdiction‬‭over activities, individuals, and entities‬
‭within their territory. However, certain exceptions apply under international law, such as‬
‭diplomatic immunity and extraterritorial crimes.‬
‭b. Personal Jurisdiction (Nationality Jurisdiction):‬
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‭●‬ D
‭ efinition:‬‭Personal jurisdiction, also known as nationality jurisdiction, allows a state to‬
‭exercise jurisdiction over its nationals, regardless of their location.‬
‭●‬ ‭Scope:‬‭States can assert jurisdiction over their citizens,‬‭even when they are abroad.‬
‭However, the exercise of personal jurisdiction is subject to limitations, especially when it‬
‭conflicts with the jurisdiction of other states or international human rights standards.‬
‭c. Prescriptive Jurisdiction:‬
‭●‬ D
‭ efinition:‬‭Prescriptive jurisdiction refers to a‬‭state's authority to prescribe laws and‬
‭regulations that apply to certain conduct, regardless of where the conduct occurs or the‬
‭nationality of the individuals involved.‬
‭●‬ ‭Scope:‬‭States can assert prescriptive jurisdiction‬‭over activities that have a substantial‬
‭connection to their interests, even if the activities occur outside their territory. This‬
‭principle is often applied in areas such as antitrust laws and environmental regulations.‬
‭d. Enforcement Jurisdiction:‬
‭●‬ D
‭ efinition:‬‭Enforcement jurisdiction allows a state‬‭to enforce its laws and judgments,‬
‭including through law enforcement and judicial mechanisms, within its territory.‬
‭●‬ ‭Scope:‬‭States can enforce their laws against individuals,‬‭entities, or property within their‬
‭jurisdiction. However, the enforcement of judgments across borders often requires‬
‭international cooperation and recognition from other states.‬
‭*2. Limits to State Jurisdiction:‬
‭a. Principles of Non-Intervention and Sovereign Equality:‬
‭●‬ I‭nternational law upholds the principles of non-intervention and sovereign equality,‬
‭preventing states from interfering in the internal affairs of other states without their‬
‭consent.‬
‭b. International Human Rights Standards:‬
‭●‬ S
‭ tates must adhere to international human rights standards, which impose limitations on‬
‭the exercise of jurisdiction, especially concerning the treatment of individuals within a‬
‭state's jurisdiction.‬
‭c. Treaty Obligations:‬
‭●‬ S
‭ tates are bound by international treaties and agreements that may limit their jurisdiction‬
‭or grant specific rights to individuals and entities. Treaties often establish the framework‬
‭for cooperation and coordination between states in various areas of jurisdiction.‬
‭d. Customary International Law:‬
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‭●‬ C
‭ ustomary international law imposes restrictions on certain exercises of jurisdiction,‬
‭ensuring that states respect established practices and norms recognized by the‬
‭international community.‬
‭ tate jurisdiction in international law is a complex and evolving area, shaped by treaties,‬
S
‭customary practices, and international jurisprudence. Striking a balance between a state's‬
‭legitimate exercise of jurisdiction and respecting the rights and interests of other states and‬
‭individuals is essential to maintaining international peace, security, and cooperation.‬
‭State Succession(taking over) to Rights and Obligations.‬
‭●‬ ‭doctrines of state succession‬
‭ tate succession refers to the process through which a new state or government‬
S
‭assumes the rights, obligations, and responsibilities of a predecessor state or‬
‭government. There are several key doctrines and principles related to state succession‬
‭in international law:‬
‭*1. Doctrine of Continuity:‬
‭○‬ D
‭ efinition:‬‭The doctrine of continuity asserts that‬‭a new state or government‬
‭continues the existence of the predecessor state in terms of treaties,‬
‭agreements, and international legal personality.‬
‭○‬ ‭Relevance:‬‭This doctrine ensures that existing international‬‭treaties,‬
‭commitments, and obligations continue to apply to the successor state,‬
‭maintaining stability in international relations.‬
‭●‬ ‭*2. Doctrine of Universality:‬
‭○‬ D
‭ efinition:‬‭The doctrine of universality states that‬‭certain treaties, especially‬
‭those related to human rights, are binding on all states, including successor‬
‭states, regardless of their recognition or participation in the treaty negotiations.‬
‭○‬ ‭Relevance:‬‭This doctrine ensures that fundamental‬‭human rights obligations‬
‭persist even in cases of state succession, protecting the rights of individuals‬
‭within the successor state's territory.‬
‭●‬ ‭*3. Doctrine of Transformation:‬
‭○‬ D
‭ efinition:‬‭The doctrine of transformation posits‬‭that treaties continue to apply to‬
‭the successor state but may require domestic legislation or transformation into‬
‭national law to be fully effective.‬
‭○‬ ‭Relevance:‬‭Successor states need to adapt international‬‭treaties into domestic‬
‭law to ensure the practical implementation of international obligations, especially‬
‭when the treaties were not previously incorporated into domestic legislation.‬
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‭●‬ ‭*4. Doctrine of Clean Slate:‬
‭○‬ D
‭ efinition:‬‭The doctrine of a clean slate holds that‬‭a new state is not bound by‬
‭the international agreements of its predecessor state and must renegotiate or‬
‭reaffirm its international commitments.‬
‭○‬ ‭Relevance:‬‭This doctrine is often applied in cases‬‭of revolutionary or radical‬
‭political changes where the new government seeks to distance itself from the‬
‭policies and commitments of the previous regime.‬
‭●‬ ‭*5. Doctrine of Acquis:‬
‭○‬ D
‭ efinition:‬‭The doctrine of acquis states that a successor‬‭state automatically‬
‭inherits the assets, debts, and liabilities of the predecessor state, including treaty‬
‭obligations, property, and financial commitments.‬
‭○‬ ‭Relevance:‬‭This doctrine ensures the seamless transfer‬‭of assets and‬
‭responsibilities from the predecessor state to the successor state, maintaining‬
‭the continuity of state functions.‬
‭●‬ ‭*6. Doctrine of Intertemporal Law:‬
‭○‬ D
‭ efinition:‬‭The doctrine of intertemporal law asserts‬‭that legal rights and‬
‭obligations are determined by the law applicable at the time the events occurred,‬
‭even if there have been subsequent changes in international law.‬
‭○‬ ‭Relevance:‬‭This doctrine helps resolve conflicts arising‬‭from changes in treaties‬
‭or laws over time, ensuring stability and predictability in legal relationships,‬
‭including those affected by state succession.‬
‭ ‬ ‭These doctrines and principles guide the process of state succession, providing a‬
●
‭framework for the continuity of international legal obligations, protection of human rights,‬
‭and resolution of disputes in cases where states undergo political transformations or‬
‭territorial changes. State succession cases are often complex and require careful‬
‭consideration of these doctrines to maintain international stability and uphold the rights‬
‭and obligations of both states and individuals.‬
‭●‬ ‭rights and duties arising out of succession‬
‭ ‬ ‭political rights and duties‬
○
‭○‬ ‭local rights and duties → Lands, rivers, railroads, rights and duties‬
‭○‬ ‭Fiscal property debts → cannot claim old debts‬
‭○‬ ‭Contracts → succeeding states should be bound‬
‭○‬ ‭Laws → civil laws continues until changed‬
‭○‬ ‭Nationality → transfered to new international person‬
‭ ‬ ‭Vienna convention on succession‬
●
‭ he Vienna Convention on Succession of States in respect of Treaties, adopted in‬
Y
‭1978, addresses the issue of treaty succession when states undergo territorial changes‬
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‭or political transformations.‬
‭Vienna Convention on Succession of States in respect‬‭of Treaties:‬
‭*1. Purpose:‬
‭○‬ T
‭ he convention aims to establish clear rules and procedures regarding the‬
‭succession of states to treaties. It provides guidelines on which treaties continue‬
‭to be binding on the successor state and which treaties the successor state can‬
‭choose not to be bound by.‬
‭●‬ ‭*2. Key Principles:‬
‭○‬ A
‭ utomatic Continuity:‬‭Treaties continue to be in force‬‭for the successor state‬
‭unless it expresses a different intention or unless the treaty itself provides‬
‭otherwise.‬
‭○‬ ‭Consent and Modification:‬‭If both parties to a treaty‬‭agree, modifications or‬
‭terminations of treaties can be negotiated after the succession.‬
‭○‬ ‭Timeframe for Decision:‬‭The successor state has a‬‭limited period (usually five‬
‭years from the date of succession) to notify other states and the treaty‬
‭depositaries about its decisions regarding specific treaties.‬
‭○‬ ‭Multilateral Treaties:‬‭Multilateral treaties pose‬‭a unique challenge. If a treaty‬
‭has a large number of parties, decisions might need to be negotiated collectively.‬
‭●‬ ‭*3. Importance:‬
‭○‬ T
‭ he convention provides a systematic approach to the complex issue of treaty‬
‭succession, ensuring legal stability and predictability in international relations‬
‭during times of political change or territorial shifts.‬
‭ ‬ ‭Please note that the information provided here is based on the status as of January‬
●
‭2022. There might have been updates or new developments regarding state succession‬
‭and related conventions after this date. It's advisable to consult the latest sources or‬
‭legal experts for the most recent information on this topic.‬
‭ uccession to Rights and Obligations in International Law: Ensuring Continuity and‬
S
‭Stability‬
‭ uccession to rights and obligations in international law refers to the process by which a new‬
S
‭state or government assumes the rights and responsibilities of a predecessor state or‬
‭government. This succession can occur due to various events, such as state dissolution,‬
‭decolonization, or political transformation, and it ensures the continuity and stability of‬
‭international relations. Here are the key aspects of succession to rights and obligations in‬
‭international law:‬
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‭State Succession in International Law: Principles and Considerations‬
‭ tate succession in international law refers to the process by which a new state emerges or an‬
S
‭existing state undergoes significant changes, leading to the transfer of rights, obligations, and‬
‭responsibilities from the predecessor state to the successor state. This transition can occur due‬
‭to events such as decolonization, secession, or the breakup of states. International law provides‬
‭several principles and considerations to guide the process of state succession:‬
‭*1. Principles of State Succession:‬
‭a. Continuity of Legal Personality:‬
‭●‬ T
‭ he new state inherits the legal personality of the predecessor state, ensuring the‬
‭continuity of its existence in the international community.‬
‭b. Continuity of Treaties:‬
‭●‬ U
‭ nless otherwise agreed or a fundamental change in circumstances (rebus sic‬
‭stantibus) justifies modification or termination, treaties concluded by the predecessor‬
‭state continue to bind the successor state.‬
‭c. Protection of Minority Rights:‬
‭●‬ T
‭ he rights of minorities residing in the territory of the successor state are safeguarded,‬
‭preventing discrimination and ensuring their protection.‬
‭d. State Property and Debts:‬
‭●‬ T
‭ he successor state typically assumes a portion of the predecessor state's assets and‬
‭liabilities, often negotiated between the parties involved.‬
‭*2. Decolonization and Succession:‬
‭a. Self-Determination:‬
‭●‬ T
‭ he principle of self-determination allows colonial territories to gain independence and‬
‭establish sovereign states, leading to state succession.‬
‭b. Transfer of Sovereignty:‬
‭●‬ C
‭ olonial powers transfer sovereignty to the newly independent state, including‬
‭international obligations and responsibilities.‬
‭*3. Secession and Succession:‬
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‭a. Consent of Parties:‬
‭●‬ S
‭ ecession and the subsequent formation of a new state require the consent of the‬
‭affected parties, often involving negotiations and international recognition.‬
‭b. Recognition by the International Community:‬
‭●‬ T
‭ he new state's recognition by the international community is a crucial step, indicating‬
‭acceptance of its independence and statehood.‬
‭*4. Dissolution of States and Succession:‬
‭a. Division of Assets and Liabilities:‬
‭●‬ I‭n cases of state dissolution or fragmentation, negotiations determine the division of‬
‭state assets, debts, and international obligations among successor states.‬
‭b. Continuity of Treaties:‬
‭●‬ S
‭ uccessor states are often expected to respect existing treaties, ensuring continuity in‬
‭their international commitments.‬
‭*5. Peaceful Agreements and Mediation:‬
‭a. Negotiated Agreements:‬
‭●‬ S
‭ tates involved in succession often engage in negotiations to settle issues related to‬
‭boundaries, citizenship, and resource allocation.‬
‭b. International Mediation:‬
‭●‬ I‭nternational organizations and third-party states can facilitate dialogue and mediation to‬
‭assist parties in reaching mutually acceptable agreements.‬
‭ tate succession is a complex and multifaceted process that requires careful consideration of‬
S
‭historical, political, and legal factors. International law provides a framework that emphasizes‬
‭peaceful negotiations, respect for existing agreements, and the protection of minority rights,‬
‭ensuring a smooth transition and fostering stability in the international community.‬
‭1. State Succession:‬
‭a. Definition:‬
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‭●‬ S
‭ tate succession occurs when a new state is created out of the territory of an existing‬
‭state or when a state ceases to exist, leading to the transfer of rights and obligations to‬
‭the new state(s).‬
‭b. Automatic Succession:‬
‭●‬ I‭n cases of state dissolution or partition, the successor states automatically assume the‬
‭rights and obligations of the predecessor state, ensuring the continuity of treaties,‬
‭memberships in international organizations, and other international commitments.‬
‭c. Treaty Continuity:‬
‭●‬ S
‭ uccessor states are generally bound by the treaties concluded by the predecessor‬
‭state, unless there is an agreement between the parties involved or a fundamental‬
‭change in circumstances (rebus sic stantibus) that justifies treaty modification or‬
‭termination.‬
‭2. Government Succession:‬
‭a. Definition:‬
‭●‬ G
‭ overnment succession occurs when there is a change in government within an existing‬
‭state due to democratic elections, revolution, or other political processes.‬
‭b. Continuity of Treaties:‬
‭●‬ T
‭ reaties concluded by the previous government typically continue to bind the state, as‬
‭long as there is no explicit intent to terminate or modify these treaties. International‬
‭partners usually presume treaty continuity in the absence of official notification.‬
‭c. Recognition by Other States:‬
‭●‬ R
‭ ecognition of the new government by other states plays a crucial role in determining its‬
‭status as the legitimate representative of the state. Recognized governments can‬
‭enforce the state's rights and fulfill its obligations under international law.‬
‭3. Decolonization:‬
‭a. Definition:‬
‭●‬ D
‭ ecolonization refers to the process by which colonies gain independence and become‬
‭sovereign states.‬
‭b. Transfer of Obligations:‬
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‭●‬ C
‭ olonial powers often transfer certain international obligations, agreements, and‬
‭commitments to the newly independent state, ensuring the continuity of international‬
‭relationships and responsibilities.‬
‭4. Responsibility to Protect:‬
‭a. Definition:‬
‭●‬ T
‭ he principle of the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) emphasizes the obligation of states‬
‭to protect their populations from mass atrocities, and it allows the international‬
‭community to intervene in case a state fails to fulfill this responsibility.‬
‭b. Continuity of R2P:‬
‭●‬ S
‭ uccessor states inherit the responsibility to protect their populations. In cases of‬
‭government succession, the new government assumes this obligation and is held‬
‭accountable for the protection of its citizens.‬
‭5. Challenges and Disputes:‬
‭a. Disputes over Succession:‬
‭●‬ D
‭ isputes may arise between successor states, especially concerning territorial issues or‬
‭the division of assets and liabilities. International mediation or arbitration can be‬
‭employed to resolve such disputes.‬
‭ uccession to rights and obligations in international law is guided by principles of continuity,‬
S
‭good faith, and respect for existing international agreements. Clear communication, adherence‬
‭to international norms, and cooperation among states are essential to ensuring a smooth and‬
‭lawful transition of rights and responsibilities in cases of state and government succession.‬
‭The State and the Individual.‬
I‭n international law, the relationship between the state and the individual is a fundamental‬
‭aspect that involves the protection of human rights, the responsibility of states, and the‬
‭interaction between individuals and the global legal framework. Here are key aspects of the‬
‭state-individual relationship in international law:‬
‭*1. Protection of Human Rights:‬
‭a. International Human Rights Treaties:‬
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‭●‬ S
‭ tates are parties to various international human rights treaties, such as the International‬
‭Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on‬
‭Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR). These treaties establish the rights and‬
‭freedoms of individuals, and states are responsible for upholding these rights within their‬
‭territories.‬
‭b. Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR):‬
‭●‬ T
‭ he UDHR, although not legally binding, sets the international standard for human‬
‭rights. It emphasizes the inherent dignity and equal rights of all individuals and serves as‬
‭a foundation for subsequent human rights treaties.‬
‭*2. State Responsibility:‬
‭a. Responsibility to Protect (R2P):‬
‭●‬ S
‭ tates have a responsibility to protect their populations from genocide, war crimes,‬
‭ethnic cleansing, and crimes against humanity. If a state fails to protect its citizens, the‬
‭international community may intervene, emphasizing the protection of individuals from‬
‭mass atrocities.‬
‭b. Individual Criminal Responsibility:‬
‭●‬ I‭ndividuals can be held criminally responsible for international crimes such as genocide,‬
‭war crimes, and crimes against humanity. International criminal tribunals, including the‬
‭International Criminal Court (ICC), prosecute individuals for these offenses, irrespective‬
‭of their official capacity.‬
‭*3. Access to Justice and Remedies:‬
‭a. Universal Jurisdiction:‬
‭●‬ S
‭ ome heinous crimes, such as genocide and crimes against humanity, are subject to‬
‭universal jurisdiction. This means that any state can prosecute individuals for these‬
‭crimes, regardless of where the crimes occurred or the nationality of the perpetrators or‬
‭victims.‬
‭b. International Courts and Tribunals:‬
‭●‬ I‭ndividuals and states can bring cases before international courts and tribunals, such as‬
‭the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the ICC, seeking justice for human rights‬
‭violations and violations of international law.‬
‭*4. Refugee Rights:‬
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‭a. Refugee Protection:‬
‭●‬ T
‭ he 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol establish the rights of refugees,‬
‭ensuring that individuals fleeing persecution are protected and cannot be returned to‬
‭their home countries if they face threats to their lives or freedom.‬
‭b. Non-Refoulement:‬
‭●‬ T
‭ he principle of non-refoulement prohibits states from returning individuals to countries‬
‭where they may face persecution, torture, or inhuman or degrading treatment. It is a‬
‭fundamental aspect of refugee protection and is widely recognized in international law.‬
‭*5. Corporate Social Responsibility:‬
‭a. Responsibility of Corporations:‬
‭●‬ C
‭ orporations are increasingly held accountable for human rights violations, and there is‬
‭a growing recognition of their responsibility to respect human rights. The United Nations‬
‭Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights outline the responsibilities of states‬
‭and businesses regarding human rights.‬
‭ he state-individual relationship in international law is characterized by the protection of‬
T
‭individual rights, state responsibility to protect and promote these rights, and mechanisms to‬
‭ensure accountability for violations. It underscores the importance of individuals as rights‬
‭holders within the international legal framework, promoting the dignity, equality, and well-being‬
‭of all human beings.‬
‭The State and the Economic Interest.‬
‭ he relationship between the state and economic interests is a complex and multifaceted aspect‬
T
‭of international law and domestic governance. States play a central role in shaping economic‬
‭policies, regulating markets, and ensuring economic stability within their territories. Here are the‬
‭key aspects of the state's involvement with economic interests:‬
‭1. Economic Sovereignty:‬
‭●‬ D
‭ efinition:‬‭Economic sovereignty refers to a state's‬‭control over its economic policies,‬
‭resources, and activities within its borders.‬
‭●‬ ‭State's Role:‬‭States have the authority to formulate‬‭economic policies, regulate trade‬
‭and commerce, and promote economic development strategies to advance the welfare‬
‭of their citizens.‬
‭2. Regulation and Legislation:‬
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‭●‬ M
‭ arket Regulation:‬‭States regulate markets to ensure fair competition, consumer‬
‭protection, and prevention of monopolistic practices. Regulatory bodies are established‬
‭to oversee sectors such as finance, telecommunications, and utilities.‬
‭●‬ ‭Labor Laws:‬‭States enact labor laws to protect workers'‬‭rights, ensuring fair wages,‬
‭safe working conditions, and collective bargaining rights.‬
‭3. International Trade and Investment:‬
‭●‬ T
‭ rade Agreements:‬‭States negotiate trade agreements‬‭to facilitate the flow of goods‬
‭and services across borders. These agreements can be bilateral, regional, or‬
‭multilateral, promoting economic cooperation and reducing trade barriers.‬
‭●‬ ‭Investment Protection:‬‭States often enter into bilateral‬‭investment treaties (BITs) or‬
‭multilateral agreements to protect foreign investments and ensure a stable investment‬
‭environment.‬
‭4. Economic Diplomacy:‬
‭●‬ P
‭ romotion of Economic Interests:‬‭States engage in‬‭economic diplomacy to promote‬
‭their economic interests abroad, attract foreign investments, and enhance export‬
‭opportunities.‬
‭●‬ ‭Negotiating Economic Treaties:‬‭States negotiate treaties‬‭related to economic‬
‭cooperation, double taxation, and trade to strengthen economic ties with other nations.‬
‭5. Development and Poverty Alleviation:‬
‭●‬ E
‭ conomic Development:‬‭States implement policies and‬‭initiatives to stimulate‬
‭economic growth, create jobs, and reduce poverty. This may involve investment in‬
‭infrastructure, education, healthcare, and technology.‬
‭●‬ ‭Social Welfare Programs:‬‭States design social welfare‬‭programs to provide financial‬
‭assistance, healthcare, and education to vulnerable populations, aiming to reduce‬
‭disparities and improve living standards.‬
‭6. Economic Stability and Crisis Management:‬
‭●‬ M
‭ onetary and Fiscal Policies:‬‭States implement monetary‬‭policies (controlled by‬
‭central banks) and fiscal policies (controlled by governments) to stabilize economies,‬
‭control inflation, and manage economic growth.‬
‭●‬ ‭Crisis Management:‬‭States respond to economic crises,‬‭such as financial downturns or‬
‭natural disasters, by implementing stimulus packages, financial regulations, and support‬
‭programs to stabilize the economy.‬
‭7. Corporate Responsibility and Environmental Regulations:‬
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‭●‬ C
‭ orporate Social Responsibility (CSR):‬‭States encourage or mandate businesses to‬
‭engage in socially responsible practices, including ethical production, environmental‬
‭sustainability, and community engagement.‬
‭●‬ ‭Environmental Regulations:‬‭States enact laws and regulations‬‭to protect the‬
‭environment, promote clean energy, and mitigate climate change, balancing economic‬
‭interests with environmental sustainability.‬
‭ he state's relationship with economic interests reflects a delicate balance between promoting‬
T
‭economic growth, ensuring social welfare, protecting individual and corporate rights, and‬
‭upholding ethical and environmental standards. States play a crucial role in fostering a‬
‭conducive environment for economic activities while safeguarding the well-being of their citizens‬
‭and the sustainability of resources and ecosystems.‬
‭Territory (done in physical notes)‬
‭Sea: Uniclos(done in physical notes)‬
‭River(to be done)‬
‭Misc topics‬
‭Cases‬
‭●‬ ‭Alabama claims award 1872‬
‭○‬ ‭Parties: USA vs. GB‬
‭○‬ ‭Facts‬
‭ .‬
1
‭2.‬
‭3.‬
‭4.‬
‭ ‬ ‭Issue‬
○
‭ ritain adapted neutrality during US civil war‬
B
‭Britain made warships for confederate army‬
‭US demanded britian, they didn't comply‬
‭UK alleged guilty for breach of neutrality‬
‭1.‬ W
‭ eather or not under washington agreement(neutrality agreement),‬
‭britain breached it?‬
‭2.‬ ‭Weather britain was liable to pay compensation to britain or not?‬
‭ ‬ ‭Decision : Britain failed to follow neutrality, and was forced to pay $1550000‬
○
‭worth gold‬
‭○‬ ‭Reasons : no state can violate I LAW to secure national law‬
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‭○‬ ‭Significance‬
‭Set precedent for i law arbitration and codified public law‬
‭raised the issue of neutrality‬
‭arbitration and peaceful settlement of disputes‬
‭Led to hague convention, lon, world court, and UN‬
‭●‬ ‭Lotus case 1927‬
‭●‬ ‭Reparations of injuries in the service of united nations case 1949‬
‭●‬ ‭Rainbow warriors case 1986‬
‭●‬ ‭Sarvakar case 1911‬
‭●‬ ‭Nicaragua vs USA Case‬
‭War, armed conflict and other hostilities‬
‭●‬ ‭War‬
‭ ar in international law is a complex and multifaceted topic that encompasses rules and‬
W
‭principles governing armed conflicts between states and other parties. International law‬
‭addresses both the jus ad bellum (the right to wage war) and jus in bello (the conduct of‬
‭war) aspects of armed conflict. Here are the key aspects of war in international law:‬
‭*1. Jus ad Bellum (Right to Wage War):‬
‭*a. Principles of Jus ad Bellum:‬
‭○‬ U
‭ N Charter:‬‭The United Nations Charter prohibits the‬‭use of force in‬
‭international relations except in self-defense against armed attack (Article 51) or‬
‭when authorized by the UN Security Council for the maintenance of international‬
‭peace and security (Chapter VII).‬
‭○‬ ‭Self-Defense:‬‭States have the inherent right to individual‬‭or collective‬
‭self-defense against armed attacks. The use of force must be necessary,‬
‭proportional, and immediate, and states must report to the UN Security Council‬
‭(Article 51, UN Charter).‬
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‭○‬ H
‭ umanitarian Intervention:‬‭The concept of humanitarian intervention, where‬
‭states intervene in another state to protect people from gross human rights‬
‭violations, remains contentious and lacks clear legal basis under international‬
‭law.‬
‭●‬ ‭*b. War Crimes and Aggression:‬
‭○‬ W
‭ ar Crimes:‬‭International humanitarian law (IHL) prohibits‬‭certain acts during‬
‭armed conflicts, including targeting civilians, torture, and using prohibited‬
‭weapons. Individuals can be prosecuted for war crimes by international or‬
‭domestic courts.‬
‭○‬ ‭Crime of Aggression:‬‭The International Criminal Court‬‭(ICC) can prosecute the‬
‭crime of aggression, defined as the planning, initiation, or execution of an act of‬
‭aggression, which is the use of armed force by one state against the sovereignty,‬
‭territorial integrity, or political independence of another state.‬
‭●‬ ‭*2. Jus in Bello (Conduct of War):‬
‭*a. Principles of Jus in Bello:‬
‭○‬ D
‭ istinction:‬‭Parties to a conflict must distinguish‬‭between civilians and‬
‭combatants, directing attacks only at military objectives and avoiding civilian‬
‭casualties and civilian objects.‬
‭○‬ ‭Proportionality:‬‭The use of force must be proportionate‬‭to the military objective.‬
‭Excessive force causing disproportionate civilian harm is prohibited.‬
‭○‬ ‭Protection of Non-Combatants:‬‭Non-combatants, including‬‭civilians and‬
‭captured combatants, must be protected and treated humanely. Torture and other‬
‭forms of mistreatment are strictly prohibited.‬
‭○‬ ‭Military Necessity:‬‭The use of force must be necessary‬‭for achieving a‬
‭legitimate military objective. Indiscriminate attacks and tactics causing excessive‬
‭harm are illegal.‬
‭●‬ ‭*3. Post-Conflict:‬
‭○‬ R
‭ econstruction and Accountability:‬‭After armed conflict,‬‭states have‬
‭obligations to facilitate post-conflict reconstruction, provide humanitarian aid, and‬
‭ensure accountability for war crimes through domestic or international justice‬
‭mechanisms.‬
‭○‬ ‭Peace Treaties:‬‭States may enter into peace treaties,‬‭outlining the terms for‬
‭cessation of hostilities, territorial boundaries, and the rights of affected‬
‭populations.‬
‭○‬ ‭Truth and Reconciliation:‬‭In post-conflict societies,‬‭truth and reconciliation‬
‭commissions are sometimes established to address past human rights abuses‬
‭and promote national healing.‬
‭ ‬ ‭International law strives to limit the devastation caused by armed conflicts, protect‬
●
‭human rights, and promote peaceful resolution mechanisms. Adherence to these legal‬
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‭principles is crucial to ensuring a more just and stable global order.‬
I‭n international law, the terms "war," "armed conflict," and "other hostilities" have specific legal‬
‭definitions and implications. These terms are primarily governed by the body of law known as‬
‭International Humanitarian Law (IHL), which regulates the conduct of armed conflict and aims to‬
‭protect those not or no longer participating in the hostilities, such as civilians and wounded‬
‭soldiers. Here's how these terms are defined and understood in the context of international law:‬
‭*1. War:‬
‭●‬ D
‭ efinition:‬‭"War" is a term commonly used in everyday‬‭language to describe a state of‬
‭armed conflict between different countries or states. However, in modern international‬
‭law, the term "war" is not used as a legal classification. Instead, international law‬
‭recognizes the concept of "armed conflict."‬
‭●‬ ‭Armed Conflict:‬‭International law recognizes two main‬‭types of armed conflict:‬
‭○‬ ‭International Armed Conflict:‬‭This type of armed conflict‬‭occurs between two or‬
‭more states. It involves the use of armed force and is regulated by IHL, including‬
‭the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols.‬
‭○‬ ‭Non-International Armed Conflict:‬‭This type of armed‬‭conflict occurs within the‬
‭territory of a single state and involves armed confrontations between‬
‭governmental forces and non-state armed groups or between such groups within‬
‭the state. Non-international armed conflicts are also governed by IHL.‬
‭*2. Other Hostilities:‬
‭●‬ D
‭ efinition:‬‭"Other hostilities" refer to situations‬‭where there is ongoing violence or‬
‭armed confrontations that do not meet the criteria of a formal armed conflict. These‬
‭situations might involve civil unrest, riots, or sporadic acts of violence.‬
‭●‬ ‭Legal Implications:‬‭While IHL specifically regulates‬‭international and non-international‬
‭armed conflicts, situations of "other hostilities" fall within the jurisdiction of a state's‬
‭domestic legal system and international human rights law. Human rights law provides‬
‭protections for individuals during times of peace and in situations of violence that do not‬
‭amount to armed conflict.‬
‭*3. International Law Protections:‬
‭●‬ I‭HL Protections:‬‭In situations of armed conflict (both‬‭international and‬
‭non-international), IHL provides legal protections for civilians, prisoners of war, the‬
‭wounded, and other individuals not actively participating in the hostilities.‬
‭●‬ ‭Human Rights Protections:‬‭In situations of "other‬‭hostilities," individuals continue to be‬
‭protected by international human rights law. States are obligated to respect and protect‬
‭the human rights of all individuals within their jurisdiction, regardless of the specific‬
‭situation.‬
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I‭t's important to note that the classification of a situation as an armed conflict has legal‬
‭implications, triggering the application of IHL. Determining the existence and classification of‬
‭armed conflicts can be complex and is often subject to legal analysis by experts, including‬
‭humanitarian organizations and international courts. States have an obligation to uphold‬
‭international law and protect the rights of individuals, whether in times of peace, during armed‬
‭conflicts, or in situations of other hostilities.‬
‭Diplomatic envoys, counsels, and other representatives‬
‭ iplomatic envoys, counsels, and other representatives play essential roles in the realm of‬
D
‭international law, facilitating communication and negotiation between states and international‬
‭organizations. Here's an overview of their roles and legal status in international law:‬
‭*1. Diplomatic Envoys:‬
‭●‬ D
‭ efinition:‬‭Diplomatic envoys, commonly known as diplomats,‬‭are individuals appointed‬
‭by states to represent them in other countries or at international organizations. They‬
‭engage in diplomacy, negotiations, and the promotion of their country's interests.‬
‭●‬ ‭Legal Status:‬‭Diplomats enjoy diplomatic immunity,‬‭a principle established under the‬
‭Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961). This immunity ensures that‬
‭diplomats are protected from arrest, prosecution, and civil suits in the host country. It‬
‭also includes protections for their residences and diplomatic bags.‬
‭*2. Counsels and Legal Representatives:‬
‭●‬ D
‭ efinition:‬‭Counsels and legal representatives are‬‭professionals, often lawyers,‬
‭appointed by states or parties to represent them in international legal proceedings, such‬
‭as before international courts and tribunals.‬
‭●‬ ‭Legal Status:‬‭Legal representatives are subject to‬‭the rules and procedures of the‬
‭specific international court or tribunal where they are representing their clients. They are‬
‭expected to adhere to professional conduct and ethics standards.‬
‭*3. Other Representatives in International Law:‬
‭●‬ P
‭ ermanent Representatives:‬‭States often appoint permanent‬‭representatives to‬
‭international organizations like the United Nations. These representatives engage in‬
‭diplomatic negotiations, participate in international conferences, and advocate for their‬
‭country's positions on various issues.‬
‭●‬ ‭Special Envoys:‬‭Special envoys are appointed for specific‬‭missions or negotiations,‬
‭often in crisis situations or peace processes. They have a mandate to represent their‬
‭appointing authority in particular matters and report back on the progress of their‬
‭mission.‬
‭*4. Functions and Responsibilities:‬
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‭International Law by Arees Khan Mangi‬
‭●‬ N
‭ egotiation and Representation:‬‭Diplomatic envoys, counsels, and other‬
‭representatives negotiate treaties, resolve disputes, and represent their states or clients‬
‭in international forums and legal proceedings.‬
‭●‬ ‭Conflict Resolution:‬‭Special envoys often play crucial‬‭roles in mediating conflicts,‬
‭fostering peace agreements, and facilitating dialogue between conflicting parties.‬
‭●‬ ‭Information Exchange:‬‭Diplomatic representatives serve‬‭as conduits for exchanging‬
‭information and intelligence between states, contributing to mutual understanding and‬
‭cooperation.‬
‭●‬ ‭Promotion of Interests:‬‭These representatives advocate‬‭for their states' interests,‬
‭promote cultural exchanges, economic cooperation, and other forms of collaboration‬
‭between states.‬
‭●‬ ‭Humanitarian and Development Work:‬‭Representatives‬‭may also engage in‬
‭humanitarian and development work, representing their states or organizations in‬
‭international initiatives aimed at addressing global challenges, such as poverty, climate‬
‭change, and humanitarian crises.‬
I‭n summary, diplomatic envoys, counsels, and other representatives play vital roles in advancing‬
‭states' interests, promoting international cooperation, and resolving disputes within the‬
‭framework of international law. Their roles are defined by international conventions, treaties, and‬
‭diplomatic practices, ensuring the smooth functioning of diplomatic relations between states and‬
‭international organizations.‬
‭neutrality‬
‭Neutrality in International Law:‬
‭ eutrality is a principle in international law that allows states to remain uninvolved in armed‬
N
‭conflicts between other states or parties. Neutrality enables a state to maintain impartiality,‬
‭refrain from taking sides, and avoid participation in military operations during conflicts. Here are‬
‭the key aspects of neutrality in international law:‬
‭*1. Definition and Principles:‬
‭●‬ D
‭ efinition:‬‭Neutrality is the state of not taking‬‭sides in a conflict and refraining from‬
‭supporting or participating in military activities carried out by belligerent parties.‬
‭●‬ ‭Impartiality:‬‭Neutrality requires states to be impartial,‬‭treating all belligerent parties‬
‭equally and refraining from providing assistance or support to any of the conflicting‬
‭parties.‬
‭●‬ ‭Non-Participation:‬‭Neutral states must refrain from‬‭participating in military actions,‬
‭providing military aid, or allowing their territory to be used for military operations by‬
‭belligerent parties.‬
‭*2. Rights and Duties of Neutral States:‬
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‭International Law by Arees Khan Mangi‬
‭●‬ ‭Rights of Neutral States:‬
‭○‬ ‭Neutral states have the right to be free from military attacks by belligerents.‬
‭○‬ ‭They can continue their normal trade, economic activities, and diplomatic‬
‭relations with all parties involved in the conflict.‬
‭●‬ ‭Duties of Neutral States:‬
‭○‬ ‭They must refrain from providing military assistance, including arms, soldiers, or‬
‭intelligence, to any of the warring parties.‬
‭○‬ ‭They must enforce arms embargoes and other sanctions imposed by the‬
‭international community.‬
‭*3. Status of Neutrality:‬
‭●‬ D
‭ eclaration of Neutrality:‬‭States can formally declare‬‭their neutrality, indicating their‬
‭intention to remain uninvolved in a particular conflict. Such declarations often clarify the‬
‭rights and responsibilities of the neutral state.‬
‭●‬ ‭Recognition of Neutrality:‬‭Neutrality may be recognized‬‭by the international‬
‭community, acknowledging the state's status and its rights under international law.‬
‭*4. Limitations and Challenges:‬
‭●‬ H
‭ umanitarian Obligations:‬‭Despite neutrality, states‬‭are bound by international‬
‭humanitarian law to provide assistance to civilians affected by armed conflicts, including‬
‭access to humanitarian aid and protection of human rights.‬
‭●‬ ‭Challenges in Modern Conflicts:‬‭In modern conflicts,‬‭the distinction between civilian‬
‭and military activities can be blurred, posing challenges to the concept of neutrality.‬
‭Additionally, cyber attacks and hybrid warfare have raised new questions about the‬
‭application of neutrality in the digital age.‬
‭●‬ ‭Responsibility to Protect:‬‭The principle of the Responsibility‬‭to Protect (R2P)‬
‭emphasizes the international community's responsibility to protect populations from‬
‭mass atrocities, potentially challenging the strict application of neutrality in cases of‬
‭humanitarian crises.‬
‭ eutrality continues to be an important principle in international law, promoting peace and‬
N
‭stability by preventing the escalation of conflicts. However, the evolving nature of conflicts and‬
‭international relations requires careful consideration of the application and limitations of‬
‭neutrality in contemporary contexts.‬
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