Nguyen Thi Lan Anh was elected as a judge of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) by member states of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) with a high number of votes. This election reflects positive recognition of Vietnam's desire to contribute to upholding and ensuring the rule of international law of the sea, Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung stated on 19/6.

This marks the first time Vietnam has nominated a candidate and secured representation at ITLOS since the tribunal began operations in 1996. Nguyen Thi Lan Anh, Vice Director of the Diplomatic Academy, is one of seven new ITLOS judges for the 2026-2035 term. She was elected at the 36th meeting of UNCLOS member states at the United Nations headquarters on 18/6. The newly elected judges from Vietnam, Ghana, Tunisia, Russia, the Netherlands, India, and Brazil will commence their terms in October.

Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung. Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

According to Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung, ITLOS is one of the most important international judicial institutions for international law in general, and the law of the sea in particular. The role of ITLOS and its judges has been widely recognized by nations worldwide and international legal scholars for many years. ITLOS has made significant contributions to the peaceful resolution of maritime disputes, promoting the uniform interpretation and application of UNCLOS 1982, strengthening the legal order at sea, and fostering friendly relations, cooperation, and development among nations.

"Vietnam's first judge at ITLOS marks a new development in its international legal integration, reflecting the nation's increasing prestige, capacity to contribute, and growing standing in the common affairs of the international community," Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung commented. He affirmed that Vietnam's interests are closely tied to peace, stability, security, safety, freedom of navigation, and sustainable development. Vietnam will continue to work with other nations to promote full compliance with UNCLOS 1982, resolve disputes by peaceful means, enhance maritime cooperation, protect the marine environment, and ensure the sustainable use of ocean resources.

"Nguyen Thi Lan Anh will carry out her duties as an ITLOS judge independently and objectively, in accordance with the tribunal's statutes and UNCLOS provisions," Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung said, expressing confidence that she will perform her duties well.

Nguyen Thi Lan Anh. Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

ITLOS, headquartered in Hamburg, Germany, is an intergovernmental organization established by UNCLOS, which was signed on 10/12/1982 in Montego Bay, Jamaica. The tribunal's function is to resolve disputes related to the interpretation and application of UNCLOS through judicial means. The tribunal comprises 21 judges, elected for a 9-year term, with nationalities allocated according to equitable geographical distribution: five representatives from Asia, five from Africa, four from Latin America and the Caribbean, four from Western Europe and other states, and three from Eastern Europe.

UNCLOS currently has 172 members, including 171 states and territories along with the European Union (EU). Vietnam ratified UNCLOS in 1994.

Nhu Tam