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Subjects and Objects of International Law
Subjects and Objects of International Law
2 concepts:
1. Traditional Concept
a. Only States are considered as subjects of
international law
2. Contemporary Concept
a. Individuals and international organizations are
also subjects because they have rights and
duties under international law.
State as subject of international
law
❖ A permanent population
➢ Human being living within its territory
❖ Defined territory
➢ fixed portion of the surface of the earth in which the people of the
state reside
❖ Government
➢ agency through which the will of the state is formulated,
expressed and realized.
❖ Sovereignty or independence
➢ external aspect or manifestation of sovereignty, that is, the power
of the state to direct its own external affairs without interference or
dictation from other states.
Primacy of States as subjects of
international law
The Japanese government confirmed that during WWII, Filipinas were among
those conscripted as “comfort women” for Japanese troops in various parts of
Asia. The Japanese government has accordingly launched a goodwill campaign
and offered the Philippine government substantial assistance for a program that
will promote through government and non-governmental organization women’s
rights, child welfare, nutrition, and family health care.
This may be made without the consent of the nationals or even without
consultation with them.
Since the continued amity between the State and other countries may require a
satisfactory compromise of mutual claims, the necessary power to make such
compromise has been recognized.
under PIL and Transnational Law, a person who feels aggrieved by the
acts of a foreign sovereign can ask his own government to espouse his
cause through diplomatic channels.
Private respondent > Philippine Office > Foreign Office > Holy See for
validity of claims
Phil Govt (once decided to spouse the claim) Private cause ceases to be
private
International Organizations as
subjects of international law
Criteria (Brownlie)
2 KINDS: