153-Obligation to Negotiate Access to the Pacific Ocean (Bolivia v. Chile)
Bolivia filed an Application instituting proceedings before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) against Chile on April 24th, 2013 concerning a dispute relating to the applicant’s access to the Pacific Ocean. It contended that ”beyond its general obligations under international law, Chile has committed itself, more specifically through agreements, diplomatic practice and a series of declarations attributable to its highest-level representatives, to negotiate a sovereign access to the sea for Bolivia”.
Chile, for its part, raised preliminary objections, all of which were rejected by the ICJ of September 24th, 2015.
The Court ruled on the merits on the case in its judgment of October 1st, 2018. After examining the various agreements, declarations and arguments presented by both States, the ICJ concluded that none of these grounds establishes an obligation for Chile to provide Bolivia a sovereign access to the Pacific Ocean. However, the Court urged the parties to try and find a common ground and resolve the conflict peacefully.
This summary is provided for informational purposes only, does not involve the responsibility of Dome and should in no way be used as a substitute for a careful reading of the judgment and order of the case
