Tēnā koutou, yumalundi, and welcome to this edition of ANZSIL Perspective. Edition 41 features and excellent Perspective from Caroline Foster on the 2024 Updated WHO International Health Regulations and a special extended perspective on ITLOS’ Advisory Opinion on Climate Change from Frances Anggadi, Constantinos Yiallourides, Douglas Guilfoyle, Karen Scott, and Tim Stephens. These thought provoking analyses remind us that international law as a pillar of Australian and New Zealand commitments to human rights, global health, and maritime and environmental obligations. The adoption of treaties, the incorporation of international standards into national legislation, and active participation in global institutions illustrate how international law influences our states’ approaches to critical issues on both domestic and global stages.
ANZSIL members’ expertise in international law profoundly influences how Australia and New Zealand address global challenges and Perspectives like those in this edition can be instrumental in guiding national policies and highlighting the critical role of law in safeguarding public health and protecting our environments, managing their resources and acting responsibly.
Yet, the influence of international law is not without its challenges. The reluctance of both countries to fully incorporate international human rights norms into domestic law—such as Australia’s ongoing debate over a federal human rights act—is a continuing complex challenge. Nonetheless, international law remains a cornerstone in the human rights, health, and maritime governance architecture of Australia and New Zealand. It provides a framework for accountability, guides domestic reforms, and shapes foreign policy. As global challenges evolve, especially in areas like public health and maritime security, continued engagement with international law and institutions like the WHO and UNCLOS will be essential. I am delighted that ANZSIL Perspective can offer opportunities for continuous dialogue, innovation, and reform through our diverse scholarship.
ANZSIL Perspective welcomes submissions from every level of post-graduate scholarship and legal practice for review and publication. We look forward to reading your perspectives on international law ahead of our next deadline: 27 September 2024
Felicity Gerry KC
Dr Felicity Gerry KC is on the lists of counsel for the ICC and KSC, recently on the defence team for Mr Al Hassan at the ICC and leading the defence for Mr Bahtijari at the KSC. She is admitted in England and Wales and Victoria, Australia and specialises in homicide, terrorism and war crimes trials and appeals. She has a particular interest in complicity law. She led amicus briefs in the Radovan Karadžić appeal on the lack of foundation for JCEIII and in the Dominic Ongwen appeal on the non-punishment principle. She is a Professorial Fellow at RJ4All, an Hon Prof at the University of Salford and formerly Professor of Legal Practice at Deakin University. She has a long history of teaching topics around contemporary international legal challenges such as terrorism, modern slavery law, climate change law and war crimes. She is widely published in areas including women & law, technology & law and reforming justice systems.
