Every year ICAO conducts a Legal Seminar to inform and update government officials on the Work Programme of ICAO in the legal field and a number of current subjects in the field of international air law. ICAO’s Legal Affairs and External Relations Bureau provides advice and assistance on constitutional, administrative and procedural matters, on problems of international law, air law, commercial law, labour law and related matters.
The Bureau conducts research and studies in the field of private and public international air law, prepares documentation for, and serves as the Secretariat of the Legal Committee: relevant bodies of the Assembly; and Diplomatic Conferences which adopt multilateral treaties on international air law. They are also responsible for the depositary functions of ICAO under several treaties, as well as the registration of agreements or arrangements pursuant to Articles 81 and 83 of the Chicago Convention.
The Republic of Korea’s (ROK) Vice Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Mr. Won Kug Baek, joined ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar in opening the 2024 ICAO Legal Seminar, which was generously hosted by the ROK in Seoul from 16-18 April 2024.
Highlighting milestones
Over 750 delegates representing 78 States were strongly encouraged by the Secretary General to join ICAO in our advocacy for the ratification and effective implementation of international air treaties. He offered a special focus on the 1944 Convention on International Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention), noting our 80th anniversary this year.
The Seminar furthermore provided a welcome opportunity to highlight the legal milestones in air transport facilitation over the decades, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of Annex 9 – Facilitation and the Year of Facilitation that was consequently announced by the ICAO Council.
Moving forward with priorities
The delegates addressed ICAO’s work in the legal field and aviation safety and security, including the role of Regional Safety Oversight Organizations (RSOOs) in supporting States. Data protection in international air carriage and the role of the Montreal Protocol 2014 in dealing with unruly and disruptive behaviour was also covered, as was the updating of the rules for the settlement of aviation disputes under the Chicago Convention.
Side meetings
During the seminar two side events took place: a high-level forum which brought together Ministers and policy makers from several States to discuss and share experiences, insights, and strategies for sustainable development, and an open debate among a group of young aviation professionals to address current legal issues affecting civil aviation.
The Secretary General’s mission to ROK also included a bilateral meeting with Ms. Kang Insun, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs. ICAO’s Legal Affairs and External Relations Director, Mr. Michael Gill, and Asia and Pacific Regional Director Mr. Tao Ma accompanied the Secretary General throughout his mission to Seoul.