International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea

International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea Latest News

India’s candidate, Professor Bimal N. Patel has been elected as a Judge of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) for the 2026-2035 term.          

About International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea

• It is an independent judicial body established by the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
• Headquarter: Hamburg, Germany.
• Composition
• • The Tribunal is composed of 21 independent members.
  • Members elected by secret ballot by the States Parties to the Convention.
  • Each State Party may nominate up to two candidates.
  • Members are elected for nine years and may be re-elected; the terms of one third of the members expire every three years.
  • Eligibility of members: Candidates from among persons enjoying the highest reputation for fairness and integrity and of recognized competence in the field of the law of the sea.

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Jurisdiction of International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea

• It has jurisdiction over any dispute concerning the interpretation or application of the Convention, and over all matters specifically provided for in any other agreement which confers jurisdiction on the Tribunal.
• Disputes relating to the Convention may concern the delimitation of maritime zones, navigation, conservation and management of the living resources of the sea, protection and preservation of the marine environment and marine scientific research.
• The Tribunal is open to States Parties to the Convention (i.e. States and international organisations which are parties to the Convention).
• It is also open to entities other than States Parties, i.e., States or intergovernmental organisations which are not parties to the Convention, and to state enterprises and private entities.

Source: NOA