In this podcast, Professor Sean Murphy and Alison Macdonald discuss bilateral claims commissions. The mass resolution of claims arising out of a particular inter-State dispute differs in many respects from more familiar ad hoc arbitrations. Sean and Alison consider why particular conflicts such as Iran/US, Eritrea/Ethiopia and Kuwait/Iraq, have led to such commissions being set up. They look at the practical differences between running claims in a claims commission as opposed to an arbitration, the enforcement of awards, and the important contribution which a standing tribunal can make to international law. Finally, they consider the types of conflict which could lead to such commissions being set up in the future.

Professor Sean Murphy is an Associate Member of Matrix, Patricia Roberts Harris Research Professor of Law at George Washington University, and a Member of the UN International Law Commission. Alison Macdonald is a member of Matrix and has an extensive civil, criminal and arbitration practice, in both domestic and international courts and tribunals.