Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2021

Status

Forthcoming

Abstract

The International Law Commission (ILC) held its seventy-second session from April 26 to June 4 and from July 5 to August 6, 2021 in Geneva, under the chairmanship of Mahmoud Hmoud (Jordan). This session was originally scheduled for the summer of 2020, but had to be postponed due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic continued in 2021 to present health risks and travel difficulties for certain members; consequently, the Commission for the first time in its history held its session in a hybrid manner, with many members physically present in Geneva, while others participated online by means of Zoom. That approach required certain adjustments to the Commission’s methods of work, but allowed the Commission to move forward in addressing the several topics on its current program of work.

Specifically, the Commission completed the second reading of two topics: provisional application of treaties; and protection of the atmosphere. Progress was also made in developing draft articles on immunity of state officials from foreign criminal jurisdiction, draft articles on succession of states with respect to state responsibility, and draft conclusions on general principles of law. Additionally, the Commission convened a study group on sea-level rise in relation to international law, which focused its work during this session on matters relating to the law of the sea. The Commission also added a topic to its long-term work program on subsidiary means for the determination of rules of international law, and elected a new member to fill a casual vacancy.

GW Paper Series

2021-35

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