The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea celebrated its 20th anniversary, in Hamburg, Germany, the seat of the Tribunal. Mr. Serpa Soares accompanied the Secretary-General on his visit to celebrate the Tribunal’s events. One of the main events was an international symposium entitled “The contribution of the Tribunal to the Rule of Law”. The contributing panellists which included distinguished Tribunal and ICJ judges, notable academics and practitioners, discussed the Tribunal’s jurisprudence, its contribution to the progressive development of international law, the point of view of practitioners, and improving the working methods in international adjudication.

The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea is one of the three bodies established by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, together with the International Seabed Authority and the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf. The Tribunal adjudicates disputes arising out of the interpretation or application of the Convention, as well as other international instruments that have provided for its advisory or contentious jurisdiction. The Tribunal enjoys observer status with the General Assembly of the United Nations and has concluded a cooperation and relationship agreement with the United Nations Secretariat. On the basis of this agreement, the Tribunal concluded an arrangement in 2002 with the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea, Office of Legal Affairs, by virtue of which the Division acts as the liaison office for the Tribunal in New York. For the past two decades the Tribunal has played a central role in the interpretation and application of the Convention and the peaceful settlement of disputes.

Mr. Serpa Soares also accompanied the Secretary-General to his meeting with the President of the Federal Republic of Germany, H.E. Mr. Joachim Gauck. The parties discussed Germany’s continued support of the work of the United Nations, especially its work on migration, climate change, sustainable development and the prevention of violent extremism and terrorism.