Implementation Of International Obligations Research Articles

Cosmopolitan collaboration and wartime collaborationism: The Chinese Maritime Customs Service and its staff, 1932–1941

Abstract This article discusses the continuity between cosmopolitan collaboration and wartime collaborationism from 1932–1941 by exploring the Chinese Maritime Customs Service (CMCS) and its international staff. The CMCS managed China’s international trade and directed the custom houses in northern China before 1937, and in occupied China and free China from 1937–1941. The customs revenues generated by this international trade were pledged to service China’s international obligations. This article argues that both Chinese and Japanese staff members’ activities to maintain the status quo could be considered as wartime collaborationism from the perspectives of Japan, Manchukuo, and the Collaborationist and Chongqing governments, but all parties tolerated their activities until the outbreak of the Pacific War. The reason for this was that all parties benefitted from the CMCS’s management of international trade and its implementation of international obligations which had existed since the mid-nineteenth century. This article situates wartime collaborationism within the long-existing institutional network that was welcomed as cosmopolitan collaboration in the prewar, wartime, and postwar periods, rather than treating it as a unique wartime setup and ideology. Such a view also illuminates the postwar exchange of personnel and cooperation among former enemies, which grew out of prewar collaboration and wartime collaborationism.

INTERNATIONAL LEGAL REGULATION OF PREVENTING THE INVOLVEMENT OF CHILDREN IN ARMED CONFLICT

The article is devoted to defining the essence and peculiarities of application of the norms of international law in cases of involvement of children in armed conflicts. The article establishes that in the course of development of international law, a number of international instruments, both legally binding and non-binding, have been adopted in order to minimize the risks to which children involved in armed conflicts are exposed. Such instruments pay special attention to the issue of the minimum age of children involved in hostilities and the types of actions that should be prevented in this regard. The gradual process of codification of the international legal protection regime for children has undoubtedly improved their overall protection from the impact of armed conflict. The author draws the following conclusions. The recruitment of children under the age of 15 is directly prohibited by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the I and II Additional Protocols to the Geneva Conventions, as well as customary international humanitarian law. In addition, the recruitment of children into armed forces is a crime under the Rome Statute. Military duty and the forced recruitment of children under the age of 18 are prohibited by the Optional Protocol and International Labor Organization Convention No. 182. States must take comprehensive measures at the national level to fulfill their obligations regarding the recruitment of children and their participation in hostilities. The implementation of international obligations at the national level undoubtedly begins with the adoption of laws, which are then followed by regulatory and practical measures. Effective protection of the rights of the child, in particular with regard to the involvement of children in armed conflict, is based on such legal documents.

Экстрадиционное правовое регулирование в России: взаимосвязь международных и национальных положений

This article analyses the theoretical provisions of international acts and domestic legislation regulating extradition and explores the interplay between international and national legal frameworks for extradition, focusing on a mechanism for safeguarding national interests within international treaties on extradition. The study follows the general research principle of objectivity, using, in particular, the formal legal method, abstraction, generalisation and general logical methods. The investigation of mechanisms for defending national interests when applying extradition norms made it possible to identify specific regulation problems. Factors hindering more effective implementation of the said provisions include their complexity, multi-level nature, insufficient legal regulation, the lack of bilateral treaties and the influence of national political dynamics on the implementation of international obligations. Analysing relevant legal norms and research perspectives leads to several conclusions. Firstly, there exists a fairly effective mechanism for safeguarding the national interests of countries party to multilateral international extradition treaties. Secondly, national legislation and regional or bilateral treaties can establish extradition conditions and procedures different from those outlined in universal international treaties for the sake of national interests. Thirdly, there is a need for improvement in the legal regulation of individual stages of the extradition procedure. These findings may be utilised in further research on extradition as a type of international cooperation in criminal proceedings. Therefore, comprehending the relationship between international and national extradition provisions is the key to a firm theoretical grasp of this institution and a common understanding of the legal phenomenon in research and law enforcement practice.

Stakeholders' Perspective on Building Integrated Social Protection System in Nepal

Following the inception of federalist structure, the three tiers of government is providing more than 80 social protection programmes in Nepal. The main purpose of this study is to assess the extent of coordination and integration of various programmes and provisions related to social protection, and to put forward better ways of coordination among them. This study adopted mixed method and partially applied the coordination toolkit developed by United Nations Development Group (UNDG) and ISPA. The study draws on analysis of available research, and in-depth interviews with concerned stakeholders using semi-structured questionnaires. Findings show that the involvement of multiple mechanisms and agencies for managing social protection schemes have created fragmentation, duplication, inefficiency, and ineffectiveness despite the fact that there is programme level vertical coordination within a single programme in some social protection schemes. There are a severe lack of horizontal coordination at the policy and operational level among programmes and mechanisms related to social protection. Implementation of international obligations, designing national policies and legal frameworks, establishing institutions, provisioning sustained funding mechanisms, generating political willpower, and using Integrated Management Information Systems (IMIS) are some strategies that can contribute to integration of the programmes. Moreover, it is very important to establish a single mechanism for coordinating the fragmented social protection activities for its sustainable implementation.

Gender Equality in Employment: A View from Kazakhstan

Abstract Issue under consideration: existing legal resources to support gender equality in the workplace. We systematised the provisions of Kazakhstan labour law, which should guarantee the prohibition of discrimination based on sex. The analysis resulted in five themes: “Characteristics of women’s labour”, “Analysis of labour laws differentiation”, “Evaluation of labour rights discrimination” and “Characteristics of the new labour legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan”, “Characteristics of workers with a special social status”. We analysed the essence of the method of differentiation of labour legislation, which affects the establishment of special working conditions for women and workers with family responsibilities. We suggested a correlation between the content of legal norms and the level of guarantees of gender equality in the labour market. The results show that family circumstances, gender equality are factors influencing the formation of labour legislation, state policy in the field of wage labour. The creation of a favourable environment for labour relations of the considered categories of workers should be carried out through labour contracts, acts of the employer, social partnership agreements, collective agreements. However, priority should be given to normative acts of national action. Ensuring gender equality in fact always requires the implementation of special measures by the employer, which must be guaranteed by a coercive state mechanism. At least this thesis is true for the conditions of Kazakhstan, a country with a transition economy, when business does not have high social activity, and state power is in a period of transformation. Importance should be given to the monitoring and implementation of international obligations in the field of ensuring the prohibition of discrimination, the implementation of best practices and standards. The post-Soviet law of Kazakhstan recognises the priority of international law over national law, and this channel should be maximally used to promote the value of gender equality.

DIRECTIONS OF ACTIVITIES OF THE INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND TO COMBAT THE CONSEQUENTS OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

The purpose of the article is to analyse the legal basis and activities of the International Monetary Fund to combat the consequents of the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has the most negative on the state economy and the world economy as a whole. The pandemic has unprecedented consequents for all spheres of human life and the functioning of the state and international organizations. The COVID-19 pandemic and the socio-economic crisis it has caused have a negative impact on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development, the implementation of international obligations on the right to development, human rights, gender equality and the fight against climate change. The pandemic has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis caused by armed conflict іn some countries. It seems that states are facing one-on-one with the coronavirus pandemic. However, the role of the international community and international organizations has become even more decisive. Overcome both the COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences is possible only through the joint efforts of humanity. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is working to combat the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, overcome the economic downturn due to epidemiological constraints and their economic impact from the coronavirus pandemic, and strengthen the capacity of national health systems. Moreover, the IMF assists member states in dealing with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic by providing emergency financing, debt relief, short-term liquidity support to member countries, counseling and technical assistance. Member States are obliged to take measures to combat corruption and money laundering, not to use IMF assistance for other purposes, to adopt a policy of assessing protection mechanisms during the crisis related to the COVID-19 pandemic, etc. The main goal of the IMF’s inter-organizational cooperation with the United Nations, the World Health Organization and others is to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic, taking into account ensuring the right of everyone to the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health.

Tort law makes a quantum leap: a review of the civil liability regime for nuclear operators in UAE law

Purpose This study aims to illustrate the special liability regime applying to a nuclear operator for damage caused to individuals, property and natural resources, after the United Arab Emirates (UAE) implemented the Vienna Convention on Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage of 1963 through Federal Law No. 4 of 2012. This paper contrasts this special regime with the default regime of civil liability set out in the UAE Civil Code. The comparison helps clarify the legal nature of nuclear operator liability, the extent of protection it affords to the parties injured in a nuclear incident, the conditions under which it obtains, as well as the different damage headings it allows. Design/methodology/approach This paper is a desk-based legal research. Findings The main novelties enshrined in the special liability regime for nuclear facility operators are the adoption of an objective approach (strict liability) and the introduction of exceptions different from those contemplated in the default regime spelled out in the UAE Civil Code, thereby affording greater protection to victims of nuclear leakages. Originality/value This paper is a first in-depth commentary of UAE Federal Law No. 4 of 2012 Concerning Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage. Considering the UAE’s dualistic approach to the implementation of international obligations, and the present lack of reliable alternative avenues towards compensation beyond private operator liability, the overview provided here will be of value to regional and international practitioners – including from neighbouring countries to the UAE (Oman, Qatar, Bahrain) – that are not currently signatories to any convention on nuclear liability.

Transfer pricing: international legal doctrine and practice

The article explores relevant issues of the international legal doctrine of transfer pricing and the judicial practice of the consideration and resolution of disputes in this area of legal relations. In the context of globalization of trade markets, corporate strategies of multinational corporations are focused on minimizing taxes by transferring the relevant assets to companies. These companies are registered in jurisdictions with preferential taxation, with the construction of appropriate corporate structures, which created the necessary prerequisites for the formation of common international standards in the field of transfer pricing. There is a process of harmonization of their tax regulation with ensuring the stability and unity of judicial practice and the appropriate resolution of disputes in this area of legal relations. The urgency of judicial control in this area of legal relations is indicated by the conclusions of authoritative international expert organizations. In particular, according to the Financial Secrecy Index — 2018 study, the global volume of illegal cross-border financial flows is estimated at 1—1.6 trillion. dollars USA per year. At the same time, the size of assets located in offshore jurisdictions and tax havens reaches 32 trillion. dollars USA. Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development estimates that the losses of the budgets of the world from aggressive tax planning annually reach 100—240 billion dollars. US or 4—10% of total corporate income tax revenues. Given the above application of tax legislation in the field of transfer pricing is an important indicator of Ukraine’s implementation of international obligations in the field of implementation of its European aspirations, in the field of protection of the rights and interests of taxpayers. Key words: international agreement, transfer pricing, controlled operations, judicial protection.

Правові аспекти роззброєння України відповідно до Конвенції про заборону протипіхотних мін

Автор досліджує суспільні відносини у сфері роззброєння, зокрема протимінної діяльності в сучасних умовах, а також аналізує результати Оглядової конференції з питань розмінування, що відбулася 25–29 листопада 2019 року в Осло. У статті розкрито зміст прийнятих Плану дій Осло та Проекту декларації Осло про світ, вільний від мін. Відзначено причини невиконання Україною статті 5 Оттавської конвенції. Висвітлено оцінки критеріїв здатності України до проведення розмінування.
 Обґрунтовується зміна змісту виконання міжнародних зобов’язань України із роззброєння до 2014 року, що зумовило сьогодні перегляд правових підходів до забезпечення розмінування. Відзначається, що сфера протимінної діяльності становить самостійний предмет правового регулювання, а також достатність підстав для прийняття окремого закону та подальшого розвитку законодавства у цій сфері.
 Метою статті є наукове обґрунтування та визначення правових аспектів роззброєння України, зокрема у сфері протимінної діяльності, шляхом висвітлення положень Конвенції про заборону застосування, накопичення запасів, виробництва і передачі протипіхотних мін та про їхнє знищення 1997 року, а також аналізу стану її виконання Україною у контексті постановки завдань розвитку національного законодавства з означених питань.
 Наукова новизна дослідження полягає у представленні автором обґрунтованих результатів та висновків самостійного дослідження стану виконання Україною міжнародних зобов’язань за Оттавською конвенцією, використання яких у законотворчій практиці сприятиме забезпеченню створення адекватного правового регулювання протимінної діяльності на національному рівні, з урахуванням притаманних лише Україні особливостей.
 Висновки. Перед Україною постали нові виклики законодавчого оновлення регулювання роззброєння як в цілому, так і з урахуванням фактору воєнної агресії з боку РФ, що триває з 2014 року. На загальному рівні перспективним вбачається розвиток досліджень стану виконання міжнародних зобов’язань із роззброєння з огляду на необхідність забезпечення захисту державного суверенітету. Констатовано відсутність національного стратегічного плану щодо протимінної діяльності, консолідації національної інформаційної системи протимінної діяльності, гендерної політики у цій сфері та відповідних програм, точної інформації щодо площі і місць знаходження протипіхотних мін та звітів про це. Україна поки не встала на шлях реалізації положень Оттавської конвенції.

Regional cooperation for protection of the marine environment in Southeast Asia: current trends in the South China Sea

This article explores current trends in regional cooperation in the South China Sea with regard to marine environmental protection. While there are a large number of bodies engaged in some way in issues relating to the marine environment, this region faces some serious challenges in cooperative efforts. Thus, the article gives an overview of the current cooperation landscape, highlights the most serious challenges faced and looks at the way forward. The possibility of the appropriateness of issue-based solutions, particularly to marine litter, is examined, while at the same time emphasis is laid on the importance of the implementation of international obligations and standards.

Implementation of International Obligations on Plant Breeders' Rights in Kenya: Pitfalls and Prospects

The fragmented international legal instruments on plant breeders' rights include mechanisms that retrogressively limit the vital farmers' privilege to freely save, replant and exchange seeds. Pragmatic choices are essential in Kenya's accession to relevant treaties in order to domestically safeguard the farmers' privilege and, therefore, enhance food security.

A RUSSIAN APPROACH TO INTERNATIONAL LAW IN THE DOMESTIC LEGAL ORDER: BASICS, DEVELOPMENT AND PERSPECTIVES

This paper focuses on the Russian case involving the perception and implementation of international law (IL) within its national jurisdiction during the twenty-five year-period since the adoption of the 1993 Constitution. This constitution contains a rather progressive and radical principle concerning the place and role of IL in the domestic legal order. A brief look back at the development of Russia’s current legal order will help to facilitate evaluating the real nature of this provision. In an effort to establish this principle, States must provide a certain set of tools, both legislative and organisational. This paper introduces the development of this principle by examining Russian doctrine, modern legislation and practice, paying particular attention to Russian judicial activity. It thus presents an overview of the entire discussion regarding the implementation of IL within Russia. This implementation has been examined extensively from multiple perspectives, including the one based on a wide array of theoretical and normative materials, as well as the practice of law enforcement bodies, especially different courts, during the period under observation. This contribution attempts to characterise the Russian Federation’s general attitude and approach to the implementation of international obligations into its domestic jurisdiction.

The Results of the Research and Practice Conference "The Future of International Law"

The survey provides for the main statements of the reports made by leading international law lawyers on April 8, 2016 at the Research and Practice Conference "The Future of International Law" within the framework of III International Legal Forum (Kutafinskie Readings). The survey briefly outlines the essence and the ways of resolving problems of international law efficiency addressed by the participants, namely: imposition of sanctions, implementation of international obligations by the states, rule-making by international courts, theoretical developments in the sphere of international organizations, fight against cyber attacks, application of the term "integration law", etc.

Search and Rescue Operations in the Mediterranean: Factor of Cooperation or Conflict?

AbstractThis article analyses the practice of Mediterranean States with regard to search and rescue (SAR) operations that has repeatedly given rise to much dispute. Its particular focus is on the existing disagreements concerning the interpretation and implementation of international obligations. Mediterranean States diverge on the modalities for managing SAR zones, and on the obligations of the state in whose SAR zone the rescue operation took place. The article also examines the existing attempts at cooperation and coordination among Mediterranean States and the systems of exchange of information and means created by the European Union (EU). The impact of SAR zones and activities on the relations between Mediterranean States are considered in the light of the analysis of state practice. It finds that SAR operations can be both an opportunity for cooperation as well as a source of conflict.

Environmental justice: lessons on definition and delivery from Scotland

This paper considers the concept of environmental justice in Scotland. It reviews the research and developments in law and policy in this area, starting with the Dynamic Earth speech in Edinburgh in 2002. It analyses the findings by grouping causes and solutions to environmental justice and identifies a particularly wide definition of the concept in Scotland. It concludes that the inclusion of social justice is a defining feature of environmental justice in Scotland; however, measures to mitigate environmental injustice are being implemented in an incremental way, with the most significant achievements being through the implementation of international obligations.

B) UNDERSTANDINGS SIGNED BY ITALIAN REGIONS AND AUTONOMOUS PROVINCES IN 2009

This paper focuses on the Russian case involving the perception and implementation of international law (IL) within its national jurisdiction during the twenty-five year-period since the adoption of the 1993 Constitution. This constitution contains a rather progressive and radical principle concerning the place and role of IL in the domestic legal order. A brief look back at the development of Russia’s current legal order will help to facilitate evaluating the real nature of this provision. In an effort to establish this principle, States must provide a certain set of tools, both legislative and organisational. This paper introduces the development of this principle by examining Russian doctrine, modern legislation and practice, paying particular attention to Russian judicial activity. It thus presents an overview of the entire discussion regarding the implementation of IL within Russia. This implementation has been examined extensively from multiple perspectives, including the one based on a wide array of theoretical and normative materials, as well as the practice of law enforcement bodies, especially different courts, during the period under observation. This contribution attempts to characterise the Russian Federation’s general attitude and approach to the implementation of international obligations into its domestic jurisdiction.

Comparing British and Canadian Perspectives on International Law

After signposting some of the developments towards a self-confident and self-consciously Canadian voice in international law, this article asks what the Canadian perspective on international law actually is. It suggests, through a comparison with the UK along three axes (government, courts and media portrayals of international law), that the Canadian international law reflex has been multilateralist/internationalist but that this description needs to be nuanced. An accurate description of the Canadian perspective(s) on international law must take into account: disconnects between stances taken by the federal government on the world stage and implementation of international obligations at home; instances where Canadian governments and courts have treated international law in a less than principled way while nonetheless paying it 'lip service'; and the Canadian public's lack of understanding and engagement with international law.

SUDS law: Non-State actors and the haphazard route to implementation of international obligations

This article focuses on the role of non-State actors at the nexus of international and national law. It illustrates the pivotal role non-State actors can play in the implementation of international obligations and highlights the fact that the traditional dichotomy of national and international law can not fully portray the reality of implementation. It also illustrates the effects of path dependency on implementation. That is the effect whereby once the implementation process has begun, information entering the process automatically shapes the outcome by increasing the costs associated with considering alternative, and as yet undisclosed, information. Thus the option considered first in the implementation process is likely to be the one adopted merely because it entered the arena first. The article uses a Realist lens to examine a case study of the activities of particular non-State actors as the framework for the analysis of the relationship between the two systems of law. It is based on an empirical study that focused on the actions of a particular group of non-State actors – the Sustainable Urban Drainage Scottish Working Party and its members – and their activities in relation to the development of measures to control diffuse pollution.