Election of Professor Slim Laghmani as Judge at the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea
A Diplomatic Success for Tunisia
In a quiet room at the United Nations headquarters in New York, where sensitive legal balances are rarely decided without prolonged negotiations, a vote was concluded in the first round. Professor Slim Laghmani was elected as a judge at the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea for the period 2026-2035, during the 36th meeting of the States parties to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
A Notable Diplomatic Achievement
"This result constitutes a notable diplomatic success for Tunisia and coincides with the 70th anniversary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs," according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It reflects, according to diplomatic sources, the recognition of Tunisian legal expertise and reaffirms the country's commitment to international law, peaceful settlement of disputes, and better representation of Africa and the Arab world within international jurisdictions.
About the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea
The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS), based in Hamburg, is one of the cornerstones of the legal system created by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. It is composed of 21 judges elected for 9 years by the States parties. Its mission covers strategic disputes ranging from maritime borders to fishing, including ship detentions, marine environment protection, and disputes related to the exploitation of oceanic resources. It also has rapid procedures, including requests for immediate release of ships and crews, making it a technical and operational jurisdiction in contemporary international law.
Source
Permanent Mission of Tunisia to the United Nations, New York
