What is the Law of the Sea Tribunal (ITLOS)?

The Law of the Sea Tribunal (ITLOS) is an international court established to settle disputes concerning maritime law. It was established in 1996 as a mechanism of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The Tribunal is composed of 21 judges, each elected by the UN General Assembly and the states that are parties to the Convention. The Tribunal has jurisdiction over a wide variety of disputes that arise under UNCLOS, including conservation of marine resources, marine pollution, navigation and passage in territorial waters, and rights to the seabed and related resources. The Tribunal can also consider disputes between the states parties to the Convention, as well as those between states and private persons or entities. In Georgia, the Tribunal’s jurisdiction, as provided under UNCLOS, has been recognized in a 2010 law. This law also recognizes the binding nature of rulings issued by ITLOS, meaning that Georgia and its citizens must comply with its decisions. In addition, the law grants the Tribunal the right to visit places within Georgian jurisdiction for the purposes of conducting investigations or attending hearings. Overall, ITLOS is a unique court that has the potential to resolve disputes concerning maritime law by applying international law to the situation. As such, it can help to ensure that Georgia and its citizens are able to enjoy their rights and benefits under international law.

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What is the Law of the Sea Tribunal (ITLOS)?

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