Conciliation is widely used as an effective tool for the peaceful settlement of disputes between States. How effective can conciliation be and what obstacles may negatively affect its outcome? Is conciliation obsolete or out-dated? The colloquium organised jointly by the Court of Conciliation and Arbitration within the OSCE and the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies will shed light on the potential of conciliation in inter-state disputes. Internationally recognised experts and scholars in international law will analyse conciliation procedures in international treaties, including environmental law and UN human rights treaties. Practical issues will be addressed with experiences of territorial disputes (Guatemala and Belize) and in the African context. The outcome of the discussions should allow drawing parallels to the Court of Conciliation and Arbitration within the OSCE.

The Court of Conciliation and Arbitration, which is based in Geneva, provides a mechanism for the peaceful settlement of disputes between States. The Court was established in 1995 by the Convention on Conciliation and Arbitration. Thirty-four States are Parties to the Convention. The Court is composed of recognized experts in the field of international law who are appointed by the States Parties.

Attendance is open to the public and interested individuals should register here.

More information is available here.