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Samenvatting International and European Law
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Summary of the International and European Lab course based on the powerpoint and handbook.
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INTERNATIONAL LAWa) The nature and development of
international law
1.1 Why do we need law?
“Law
and order” : Without law chaos
We need a stable existence if we want society to succeed. Therefor every society
has created for itself a framework of principles that we call “law”. It’s about what
can be done and what can’t be done.
International law is a system of rules and principles governing international
relations between states. It covers almost every aspect of interstate and
international activities.
1.2 What is a state?
There are four criteria that must be met in order to identify a state:
a permanent population
a defined territory
a government
a capacity to enter into relationships with other states.
Only if a state accepts the power of an international court, it can be punished by
the court’s decision.
1
, The international system is horizontal, consisting of independent states. Unlike
national law, which is above individuals, international law only exists between
independent, sovereign and equal states.
1.3 Enforcement = handhaving
If the subject of international law (=state) accepts and recognize international
law, it is enough to ensure that international law exists.
Enforcement? Not in a direct way. There is no international government or police
force. For example: No international police but only “blue helmets” of the UN.
However, other countries could see you in a different way after breaking a rule of
international law.
Difference between international law and domestic law:
Domestic law: The law for individuals.
International law: Protects all citizens from actions of a country.
“Obedience is called voluntarism or consensualism” = the idea that the will of
states to follow international law is the basis of international law it’s called
voluntarism or consensualism they conform to the rules of international law
even it is against their immediate interests
The League of Nations (1920 – 1946) was the first intergovernmental organization
established “to promote international cooperation and to achieve international
peace and security”
a) United Nations
2.1 Introduction
The United Nations was established following the conclusion of WWII.
The Charter of the United Nations is a multilateral treaty which created the
organisation. It outlines the right and obligations of the signatories (=states). =
constitution of the UN.
UN consists of 193 nations and started in 1990.
Purposes of the organization (set out in the Charter):
Maintain peace and security
To develop friendly relations
International cooperation:
o Solving international problems
o Respect for human rights
Centre for harmonizing the actions
2.2 Principal organs of the United Nations
Organs:
UN security council 2
o Peace and security
o 15 members
o “Blue helmets”
5 permanent (veto): France, Great Britain, China, USA and Russia
, 2.2.1 The security council
The UN Security Council is established in New York. Its main responsibility was
the maintenance of international peace and security.
The council consists of 15 members, 5 of them being permanent members:
China
Russia
France
United Kingdom
United States
These five countries have a veto. The decisions made by the Security Council
must need an affirmative vote of nine menbers including all the five permanent
members.
The other 10 members are elected for two-year terms by the General Assembly.
The Security Council acts on behalf of the members of the UN and its decisions
are binding upon all member states.
2.2.2 The general assembly
= ‘Parliament’ of the UN.
It’s the debating chamber consisting of representatives of all member states.
Each member has only one vote.
The decisions made by the General Assembly are not binding, because it’s not a
legislative organisation but it only makes recommendations.
2.2.3 The other Important principal organs of the UN
ECOSOC: Economical and Social Council focuses on economic and social issues
(not binding).
UN Secretariat: Secretary General (= António Guterres)+ his staff. He can bring
to the attention of the Security Council any matter which may threaten the
maintenance of international peace and security.
International Court of Justice
b) International Court of Justice
3.1 Introduction
The International Court of Justice is the principal judicial organ of the United
Nations.
3.2 Organization of the Court
The court is composed of a body with independent judges. The members are
elected for at least 9 years.
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