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Queen Mary international law professor invited to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the International Court of Justice

Professor Malgosia Fitzmaurice was invited by the President of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to participate in a Panel to celebrate the Court's 80th Anniversary. The Panel took place on 29 October and was presided by His Excellency the President of the ICJ, Judge Yuji Iwasawa.

Published:
Professor Malgosia Fitzmaurice with HE Judge Yuji Iwasawa and other members of the panel.

The other Panellists were:

  • Mr Steven Hill the Assistant Secretary-General for Legal Affairs at the United Nations;
  • Professor Olufemi Elias, Member of the International Law Commission; and
  • Mr Mario Oyarzábal, Legal Adviser to the Argentine Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Member of the International Law Commission.

The presentations were focused on different aspects of the work and legacy of the ICJ, some of them inspired by chapters in the recently published book by the Registry of the International Court of Justice: 'The International Court of Justice at 80 An Inside View', celebrating this anniversary.

This publication 'is comprised exclusively of reflections drawn from within the institution. Indeed, the Court wished to mark the eightieth anniversary of its inaugural sitting with a critical appraisal of its activities by internal stakeholders. Current and former Members of the Court and judges ad hoc, as well as current and former members of the Registry, were thus invited to share not only their experiences of the Court but also any observations and recommendations for future institutional improvement.'

Professor Elias was inspired by the chapter of HE Judge Yusuf; and Professor Fitzmaurice's presentation focused of the Global Importance of the ICJ's Advisory Opinions. The Crystallisation of the Obligations of States in Relation to the Environment and Climate Change, which was inspired by chapter of Dr Vahid Rezadoost on ICJ's Advisory Opinions. Mr Hill presentation focused on the relationship between the UN Secretariat and the ICJ; and Mr Oyarzabal's on the relationship between the ICJ and the ILC. The presentations of the panel were followed by questions. It was a truly inspiring event.

Malgosia Fitzmaurice is Professor of Public International Law, programme director for the Environmental Law LLM, and Co-Director of the Centre for International Law at Queen Mary University of London.

 

 

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