International law crucial in times of geopolitical divisions: Vivian Balakrishnan

Support for international law and a strong rules-based system are essential and have an impact on the sovereignty and security of all countries, especially small, vulnerable states like Singapore, said Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan on Jan 8.

But as geopolitical divisions and conflicts rage on, there is also great concern as this multilateral system comes under stress, said Dr Balakrishnan.

“We believe that at a time like this, international law is all the more crucial in preventing a collapse of the international order because if that collapses, we end up in a situation where might makes right, and such a world would be dangerous for all of us,” he said, underscoring the importance of Singapore’s nomination of veteran international law expert Rena Lee to become a judge of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague.

Speaking to more than 100 ambassadors and diplomatic representatives at a reception held on Jan 8 in Singapore to introduce Mrs Lee’s candidature for the ICJ bench for the 2027-2036 term, Dr Balakrishnan highlighted her many accolades.

These include her appointment as Singapore’s Ambassador for International Law in 2023, and, before that, her role as Ambassador for Oceans and Law of the Sea Issues, as well as special envoy of the Minister for Foreign Affairs.

This nomination is significant, said Dr Balakrishnan, as it is the first time Singapore is putting forward a nominee for election as an ICJ judge since it joined the United Nations in 1965.

The ICJ is the principal judicial organ of the UN and a key plank in efforts to peacefully resolve disputes between nations. The Hague, where the ICJ sits, is the Dutch seat of government and a major city in the Netherlands.

The ICJ consists of 15 judges, all from different countries, who are elected for a period of nine years by the UN General Assembly and the Security Council.

“Singapore puts forward very few candidates to UN bodies and positions, and we only do so if we feel we can make a constructive contribution to these essential multilateral platforms,” said Dr Balakrishnan.

Mrs Lee has more than three decades of international law experience and diplomacy under her belt. Her career included stints at the Attorney-General’s Chambers and Ministry of Defence, and, more recently, at the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore, where she was chief executive.

One of Mrs Lee’s most notable achievements is leading the successful negotiation and adoption, by consensus, of the landmark Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement in 2024.

This historic high seas treaty that involves more than 190 nations lays the groundwork for international collaboration to protect the areas beyond national jurisdictions and to safeguard ecosystems and biodiversity in international waters.

Addressing those in attendance, Mrs Lee said that international law has long been her passion. And she has dedicated much of her professional career to its practice in various areas and capacities, including as a state negotiator, a legal adviser to the Singapore Government, and as a diplomat.

She also referred to her participation in the BBNJ treaty, adding that it was in line with beliefs she has developed in her practice, which include practicality when implementing the law, and a desire to bring people together.

Mrs Lee said that if elected to the ICJ, she will focus on making meaningful contributions to the development of international law and also bring her practical experience to the table.

“I will apply myself to the work independently, and objectively, remaining impartial, while listening and seeking to understand the arguments of the disputing parties.

“I will advocate faith to both the letter and spirit of the law in its interpretation and application, and, in so doing, seek to uphold the international community’s trust in the ICJ,” she said.

Homing in on Mrs Lee’s versatility and wealth of experience, Dr Balakrishnan said she was the ideal candidate to be an ICJ judge.

“I am confident that Ambassador Lee will remain dedicated to promoting and safeguarding the international rule of law in an independent, thoughtful and principled manner. Ambassador Lee has Singapore’s full support, and we hope we can count on all of you to support her in the upcoming elections,” he said.

In order to ensure a degree of continuity, five of the 15 ICJ judges are elected every three years. The results of Mrs Lee’s nomination will likely be announced in late 2026 or early 2027.

Source: Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction.

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