Following the International Law Commission Report on Fragmentation in International Law (IL), scholars have started to question whether such fragmentation could also have affected its subbranches, and, especially, international human rights law (IHRL). Due to the proliferation of both IHRL norms and institutions, especially at the regional level, this appeared to be a real possibility.

Since the end of the Cold War it has become clear that non-state actors (NSA)1 can have a substantial impact on situations affecting international peace and security.2 Although the authority of the Security Council to directly address NSA is not uncontroversial, it is clear that as a practical matter the Council does exercise this authority regularly.3 My remarks will address this practice and explain its legal significance.

Marine science and technology have long been recognized as key issues to enable states to implement the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Scientific capacity development and technology transfer are cross-cutting issues in the development of a new international legally binding instrument (ILBI) for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction under UNCLOS. The acquisition, exchange, and application of scientific knowledge are critical issues in the development of the ILBI.