Our Divisions
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Mission
To advance and protect the interests of Singapore internationally through the effective practice of public international law.
Our Work
IAD was established on 1 Jul 1995.
IAD provides legal advice on all aspects of international law to the Government of Singapore and represents Singapore at bilateral and multilateral negotiations, international dispute settlement procedures, trade related proceedings as well as at other international fora. In addition, our officers also negotiate and draft international instruments. IAD is also involved in the translation of Singapore's international obligations into domestic legislation.
The work of IAD covers topics as diverse as civil aviation law, international banking and finance, the law of diplomatic relations, environmental law, human rights, humanitarian law, international criminal law, law of the sea, international trade law, international investment law and the law relating to the United Nations, etc.
The Division also assists in the regulation of foreign law firms and lawyers wishing to practise foreign law in Singapore.
These are some of the specific matters which we deal with:
International Dispute Settlement
IAD
has acted for and advised the Singapore Government in various international
dispute settlement proceedings. These are the Case Concerning Land Reclamation
by Singapore In and Around the Straits of Johor (Malaysia v Singapore)
(arbitration under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea),
the Case Concerning Sovereignty Over Pedra Branca, Middle Rocks and South
Ledge (Malaysia/Singapore) (adjudication before the International Court
of Justice) and the Dispute Over the Export of “Organic Material” from
Singapore to Indonesia (resolution with good offices of the Secretariat
of the Basel Convention).
All disputes, except for that over Pedra Branca, Middle Rocks and South Ledge, have been settled by both Parties.
Trade Related Matters
The Division is involved extensively in negotiating, advising and drafting the various and extensive network of bilateral, regional and multilateral Free Trade Agreements which Singapore has concluded or is in the process of negotiating, including those with the US, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, India, Canada, Mexico, and numerous other countries (for an updated list and more information about Singapore's free trade agreements, see http://www.fta.gov.sg). We also advise on other WTO, APEC, ASEAN, and ASEM trade issues and agreements, including on the ASEAN-China FTAs.
Officers from the Division have also led the Singapore delegation in negotiations on various Investment Guarantee Agreements.
An officer of the Division currently chairs the Inter-Ministry Task Force to review and implement our obligations under the Agreement on Trade-related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS). The Task Force is now busy with work in relation to other IPR related issues.
Air Services Agreements
The operation of air services into and out of a country requires the permission of that country. This permission is normally granted through an Air Services Agreement. In order for Singapore to thrive as a hub for air services, a complex network of Air Services Agreements with other countries has been negotiated.
Air Services Agreements are reviewed very frequently. This allows the countries involved to tailor the services which are permitted to cater for actual demand, ensure fair competition in this area, and make use of new commercial opportunities and technologies.
We provide legal advice and assist in the drafting and vetting of the various documents used in Air Services Agreements.
Dealing with Transnational Crimes
Criminal activity is increasingly globalised. As such, it is important for Singapore to be able to enter into Criminal Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties with other countries to ensure that there is a legal framework for the provision of mutual legal assistance.
At the multilateral level, our officers represented Singapore at negotiations for a Convention on Transnational Organised Crime. The Convention and its Protocols will enable the international community to act more effectively against Organised Criminal Groups by requiring the criminalisation of certain activities of Organised Criminal Groups and providing a framework for States to co-ordinate their anti-crime efforts.
Bilateral and Multilateral Negotiations and International Conferences
Singapore participates in numerous international negotiations. These
can be negotiations with other countries or regular meetings like the
meetings of the WTO TRIPS Council, ASEAN, APEC, WIPO and annual Sessions
of the United Nations General Assembly, or ad hoc meetings.
These negotiations and meetings are often held to discuss and draft the provisions of international legal instruments. Our officers conduct or assist in the negotiations and/or provide legal advice to the Government agencies participating in them to ensure that Singapore's interests are protected.
Legal Education
Our officers have presented papers and conducted talks and seminars.
They have also published academic articles in various journals.
Since 2000, the Division has organised an annual event known as the International Law Speakers Series. The objective is to bring eminent international personalities to Singapore to speak on contemporary issues in international law. The first speaker for the Series was Mr Ian Brownlie CBE, Q.C. Other eminent personalities in international law, namely, Prof. Georges Abi-Saab, Prof. Michael Reisman, Prof. Christopher Weeranmantry, Prof. Christopher Greenwood, Q.C., Prof. Philippe Sands, Q.C. have been recent guest speakers at this Series.
Foreign Lawyers and Law Firms
The Legal Profession (International Services) Secretariat is also part of the Division. It registers all foreign law firms, Joint Law Ventures and Formal Law Alliances between Singapore law firms and foreign law firms, representative law officers, and foreign lawyers.
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