Boundary Dispute Resolution
Durham University, 12-14 April 2010
International boundaries continue to be a major source of friction between neighbouring states. Many land boundaries remain poorly defined and fewer than half of the world’s potential maritime boundaries have been even partially agreed. Governments recognise the value of clearly-defined boundaries, yet the political, economic and social complexities of boundary regions often make resolving competing territorial and jurisdictional claims extraordinarily difficult.
Led by experienced boundary negotiators, technical experts and legal advisors, this workshop will provide advice and practical guidance on how to resolve international boundary disputes. Through a combination of lectures and practical exercises, the course will first explore how to overcome deadlock in boundary negotiations. Recognising that an equitable agreement cannot always be reached through negotiations, the workshop will also examine the benefits and potential drawbacks of third-party dispute resolution mediation, conciliation, arbitration and adjudication.
Price: £1,650 (including accommodation and meals)
Tutors
Mr David Anderson, former Second Legal Adviser, UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office and former Judge, International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea
Mr Rodman Bundy, Partner, Eversheds LLP
Mr Chris Carleton, Head of the Law of the Sea Division, UK Hydrographic Office
Mr Stephen Fietta, Partner, Latham & Watkins LLP
Mr Martin Pratt, Director of Research, International Boundaries Research Unit
Mr Will Thomas, Associate, Eversheds LLP
Programme
Monday 12 April
1) Introduction
2) International boundary disputes and their resolution
- The legal basis for territorial sovereignty and maritime jurisdiction
- Sources of dispute
- Types of dispute
- Dispute resolution mechanisms
3) The evolving law of maritime delimitation
- International conventions on the law of the sea
- Key case law
- Implications for maritime boundary dispute resolution today
4) Practical considerations in boundary negotiations
- Political and legal factors in boundary negotiations
- Pre-negotiation preparations
- Negotiation strategy and tactics
- Drafting an agreement
5) Geographical and technical issues in boundary disputes
- Datums, coordinates and straght lines
- The use and abuse of maps, charts and remotely-sensed imagery
- Geographical and technical tools for boundary-making and dispute resolution
- Presenting technical information to non-technicians
Tuesday 13 April
6) Negotiation excercise
- Working in teams, participants will seek to negotiate an agreement defining the land and maritime boundaries between the fictional ststes of New Tasmania and Van Diemen's Land. The scenario involves legal, technical and management related problems which will require ingenuity and diplomacy to resolve
Wednesday 14 April
7) Third-party assistance in boundary dispute resolution
- Mediation,conciliation and Track II diplomacy
- Third-party adjudication
- Maritime boundary dispute resolution procedures under UNCLOS
8) Practical considerations in third-party boundary adjudications
- Submitting a case
- Case management
- Assembling, assessing and presenting evidence
- Implementing the decision
Administrative information
Cost
The cost of the workshop will be £1,650 per participant.
Fees for UK-based participants are normally subject to Value Added Tax at 17.5%. We regret that payment can only be accepted in £ sterling. However, we are able to accept payment by major credit and debit cards. Full payment must be received prior to the workshop to guarantee the booking.
In addition to tuition and all course materials, the fee covers the following:
- Accommodation in a single en-suite room for the nights of 11-13 April.
- Evening dinner on 11-13 April.
- Lunch and refreshment breaks on 12-14 April.
Reservations
To reserve a place on the workshop, please contact Liz Kennedy or use the online booking form
Venue
Workshop accommodation and teaching will be based at Collingwood College, which is part of Durham University.
Language
Teaching and workshop materials will be in English. We regret that we are unable to provide translation or interpretation services.
Cancellation
Cancellations must be received in writing not later than Friday 19 March 2010, and will be subject to a £50 cancellation fee unless a substitute participant is offered. After this date the full registration fee will apply. Substitutions for registered participants may be made at any time, but we would appreciate prior notification.
Programme changes
IBRU reserves the right to modify the programme as necessary, without notice to participants.
Travel to Durham
Full details of the venue, plus maps and travel information will be sent to all participants following registration. Online maps and travel information can be found here.
