Abstract
This paper examines the rules of international law relating to the establishment of maritime zones and their application in the case of sea level rise with particular reference to ‘disappearing states’. Substantive and procedural options for overcoming the presumption of the ambulatory nature of baselines are examined and the analysis applied to situations of inundation of island states by sea level encroachment. It is argued that it would be both inequitable and inconsistent with the objectives of the law of the sea for disappearing states to lose their maritime zones. A solution to the ‘disappearing state’ dilemma is suggested through adoption of a positive rule freezing baselines and through recognition of the category of ‘deterritorialised state’. It is concluded that the articulation of new rules of international law may be needed to provide stability, certainty and a future to disappearing states.
Disciplines
International Law
Date of this Version
November 2010
Recommended Citation
Rosemary Rayfuse, "International Law and Disappearing States: Utilising Maritime Entitlements to Overcome the Statehood Dilemma" (November 2010). University of New South Wales Faculty of Law Research Series 2010. Working Paper 52.
http://law.bepress.com/unswwps-flrps10/art52
Comments
This paper may be referenced as [2010] UNSWLRS 52.