International Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) are integral to Vietnam's strategic outlook for the future, according to the Deputy Foreign Minister.
🇻🇳 Vietnam's Role in the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS): A Cornerstone of Maritime Diplomacy
🌊 Ha Noi plays host to ITLOS Regional Workshop
In a year marking the 50th anniversary of National Reunification and the 80th anniversary of Việt Nam's independence, Ha Noi welcomed international legal experts for a timely regional workshop on the "Role of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea in Settlement of Disputes Relating to the Law of the Sea." Led by Judge Tomas Heidar, President of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS), the event took place from May 5 to 6, focusing on ITLOS's jurisdiction, urgent proceedings, and maritime delimitation.
🌐 A Pioneer in Maritime Law
Việt Nam, a country with deep-rooted maritime heritage and connections, has been an active participant in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) since its inception in 1982. Boasting one of the largest Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) in the Asia-Pacific region, Việt Nam was amongst the first signatories of UNCLOS on its opening day and promptly ratified the convention in 1994. The country further demonstrated its commitment by ratifying the 2006 Agreement relating to the Implementation of Part XI of the Convention, the 2018 Fish Stocks Agreement, and in 2023, the Agreement under the Convention on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction.
🏛️ ITLOS at the Forefront of Dispute Resolution
Established in 1996, ITLOS is an independent judicial body tasked with settling disputes related to the interpretation and application of the UNCLOS, as well as any matters referred to it under agreements that confer jurisdiction. Mobile Deployment Units (MDUs) allow ITLOS to act rapidly on jurisdictional disputes that require on-site assessment. Since its establishment, ITLOS has earned the trust of its members and proven its efficiency as a platform for resolving conflicts, overseeing 30 contentious cases addressing a wide array of maritime issues, including disputes involving states from Asia and the Pacific region.
🌐 A Levelled Playing Field
The ITLOS composition reflects the United Nations' geographical balance, with 21 judges hailing from diverse backgrounds, 13 of whom have been elected since 2009. The Tribunal's charter ensures strong representation from developing countries, including sectors that arguably face greater maritime challenges.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyễn Minh Vũ speaks at the workshop on Monday. - VNS Photo Lê Việt Dũng
💬 "A Vision for Peace and Prosperity"
addressing the event, Việt Nam's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nguyễn Minh Vũ, spoke about the significance of the workshop in the context of growing international tensions and emerging security challenges. He underlined UNCLOS, often referred to as the "Constitution for the Ocean," as the governing framework for all activities at sea, lending stability and fostering a spirit of cooperation.
Following the workshop, the Deputy Minister emphasized Việt Nam's dedication to UNCLOS, stating that the country actively participates in international forums, aligns its laws with UNCLOS, and has recently nominated Associate Professor Lan Anh as a candidate for trust at ITLOS.
"We envision our maritime space as a realm of peace, stability, and shared prosperity," Vũ declared, highlighting Việt Nam's ambition to become a strong, prosperous, and sea-based economy by 2030.
💬 "A Positive Step Forward"
Concluding the event, Judge Heidar shed light on the recent advisory opinion on climate change, the first time obligations of States Parties under UNCLOS with respect to human-induced GHG emissions, greenhouse gas emissions, and climate change have been addressed. He reported that the opinion has been well-received by States and has fortified international efforts in combating climate change as it relates to the ocean.
Judge Tomas Heidar, President of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea. - VNS Photo Lê Việt Dũng
"The opinion is undoubtedly a constructive contribution towards global cooperation on this critical issue," Heidar added, keenly emphasizing the ITLOS's role and impact in shaping the international maritime legal landscape.
- In the context of Vietnam's 50th anniversary of National Reunification and 80th anniversary of independence, Judge Tomas Heidar, President of ITLOS, led an international legal workshop in Hanoi, focusing on ITLOS's jurisdiction, urgent proceedings, and maritime delimitation.
- Vietnam, with deep maritime heritage and a large Exclusive Economic Zone, has been a key participant in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) since its inception in 1982, ratifying multiple agreements related to it.
- ITLOS, established in 1996, serves as an independent platform for resolving maritime disputes, having overseen 30 contentious cases since its establishment, including disputes from the Asia-Pacific region.
- ITLOS's composition reflects the United Nations' geographical balance, ensuring representation from diverse backgrounds, particularly those from developing countries facing greater maritime challenges.
- Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vuong spoke about the importance of the workshop in the context of growing international tensions and security challenges, emphasizing UNCLOS as the governing framework for all sea activities.
- Vuong also spoke of Vietnam's dedication to UNCLOS, stating the country's active participation in international forums, aligning its laws with UNCLOS, and nominating Associate Professor Lan Anh as a candidate for trust at ITLOS.
- Concluding the workshop, Judge Heidar highlighted the recent advisory opinion on climate change, emphasizing its constructive contribution towards global cooperation and ITLOS's role in shaping the international maritime legal landscape.
