International Law Commission

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International Law Commission

UN

Also known as: ILC

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Last updated

June 29, 2026

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The International Law Commission is a key institution within the United Nations responsible for developing and codifying international law. Established in 1947, it works on various domains, including the laws of war, the law of the sea, and human rights. The commission's reports are reviewed by the UN General Assembly's Legal Committee, which may convene conferences to draft formal conventions or recommend drafts to member states. The International Court of Justice also plays a role in reinforcing legal norms. The commission's work has influenced the development of international law, particularly in areas like war crimes and crimes against humanity, building upon previous efforts like the Hague Conventions.1

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arbitration
Arbitration provisions of international treaties
The UN’s International Law Commission submitted to the General Assembly in 1955 a Convention on Arbitral Procedure. Its model rules would not become binding on any UN member-state unless they were accepted by a state in an arbitration treaty or in a special arbitral agreement. However, the…
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The UN’s International Law Commission submitted to the General Assembly in 1955 a Convention on Arbitral Procedure. Its model rules would not become binding on any UN member-state unless they were accepted by a state in an arbitration treaty or in a special arbitral agreement. However, the…
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international law
The responsibility of states
…the suggestion, made by the International Law Commission in its 1996 draft on State Responsibility, that states can be held responsible for “international crimes” (comprising internationally wrongful acts resulting from the breach by a state of an international obligation so essential for the protection of the international community’s fundamental interests…
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…the suggestion, made by the International Law Commission in its 1996 draft on State Responsibility, that states can be held responsible for “international crimes” (comprising internationally wrongful acts resulting from the breach by a state of an international obligation so essential for the protection of the international community’s fundamental interests…
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United Nations
Development of international law
The International Law Commission, established by the General Assembly in 1947, is the primary institution responsible for these activities. The Legal Committee of the General Assembly receives the commission’s reports and debates its recommendations; it may then either convene an international conference to draw up formal…
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The International Law Commission, established by the General Assembly in 1947, is the primary institution responsible for these activities. The Legal Committee of the General Assembly receives the commission’s reports and debates its recommendations; it may then either convene an international conference to draw up formal…
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Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties
…that was drafted by the International Law Commission of the United Nations and adopted on May 23, 1969, and that entered into force on January 27, 1980.
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…that was drafted by the International Law Commission of the United Nations and adopted on May 23, 1969, and that entered into force on January 27, 1980.
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