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Supervisor: Dr. Jahanzeb Butt

 

Maritime Dispute Resolution towards Marine Environmental Protection Law

 

Supervisor: Dr. Jahanzeb Butt, Assistant Professor

Campus/School/Dept: BUIC/LAW

RAC Approved Supervisor for Research Areas: Maritime Law

Supervisory Record:  

  • PhD Produced: 0
  • PhD Enrolled: 0
  • MS/MPhil Produced: 2
  • MS/MPhil Enrolled: 2

 

Topic Brief Description:

Maritime disputes have long been a source of tension between states due to the complex legal and political issues surrounding the use and control of the oceans, seas, and their resources. The resolution of such disputes is critical to maintaining peace, security, and cooperation in international waters. Maritime dispute resolution in international law primarily involves the interpretation and application of various legal frameworks, institutions, and mechanisms aimed at ensuring the peaceful settlement of conflicts related to maritime boundaries, resource exploitation, navigation, and environmental protection.

 

Research Objectives/Deliverables:

  1. To analyze the role of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in regulating pollution control, marine biodiversity conservation, and sustainable resource management.
  2. To examine regional agreements, such as the Convention for the Protection of the Mediterranean Sea (Barcelona Convention) and the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution, in addressing marine environmental disputes.
  3. To assess the role of International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations and other international frameworks like the Marine Pollution Convention (MARPOL).
  4. To investigate the existing dispute resolution mechanisms—such as negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and judicial proceedings—and their effectiveness in resolving conflicts arising from environmental harm in the marine context.
  5. To explore the dispute resolution mechanisms under UNCLOS, including the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS), the International Court of Justice (ICJ), and arbitration under Annex VII of UNCLOS.
  6. To Investigate the Role of Scientific Evidence in Maritime Dispute Resolution for Marine Environmental Protection.

 

Research Questions: 

  1. What role does the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) play in regulating pollution control, marine biodiversity conservation, and sustainable resource management in the protection of marine environment?
  2. How do regional agreements, such as the Convention for the Protection of the Mediterranean Sea (Barcelona Convention) and the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution, contribute to addressing marine environmental disputes?
  3. What is the role of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations and other international frameworks, such as the Marine Pollution Convention (MARPOL), in managing marine environmental protection and resolving related disputes?
  4. How effective are existing dispute resolution mechanisms—such as negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and judicial proceedings—in resolving conflicts arising from environmental harm in the marine context?
  5. What is the effectiveness of the dispute resolution mechanisms under UNCLOS, including the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS), the International Court of Justice (ICJ), and arbitration under Annex VII of UNCLOS, in resolving marine environmental disputes?
  6. What role does scientific evidence play in maritime dispute resolution, particularly in cases related to marine environmental protection, and how is it integrated into legal decision-making?

 

Candidate’s Eligibility Profile:

  1. The applicant must have an MS/MPhil/Equivalent degree in law with CGPA >0. Preference shall be given to candidates having LLM in Maritime Law.
  2. Experience in conducting and writing research papers, with reasonable knowledge of UN systems and treaty section research.
  3. Proficiency in spoken and written English is essential.
  4. We require high research ethos, independence, responsibility, and strong teamwork ethics.
  5. A publication in X or W category in Maritime Law domain.
  6. A proven track record – academics and/or employment.