THE SUCCESSION RESPONSIBILITIES IN INTERNATIONAL LAW THROUGH THE WORK OF THE INTERNATIONAL LAW COMMISSION – THE APPROACH IN PAVEL STURMA’S REPORTS

Abstract

There are not many topics in international law which are more complex, more heterogeneous, with more regional and contextual particularities, but also more politicized than
the issue of succession of states and therefore the succession of responsibilities. In the 21st century alone, there are numerous open issues, among which the issue of Kosovo* is of particular
importance for the Republic of Serbia. The mentioned significance of this topic, alongside its actuality and legal complexity is the reason why the authors decided to analyze the work
of the International Law Commission on the issue of the succession of state responsibilities in the above article. The reports of Pavel Šturma, the rapporteur of the International Law Commission,
were analyzed consecutively, highlighting the most significant features, with an adequate normative and comparative review. Through the analysis of all four reports provided
by the rapporteur, the authors did not focus only on the tasks given to the rapporteur and his findings. Instead, they are also emphasizing dilemmas, other views, and opinions that were
brought by various countries but also provide a historical and comparative context of both issues and solutions. While this topic could be further analyzed in many more articles and
books, a clear overview of the work of the International Law Commission and Mr. Šturma on the topic of the succession of responsibilities in international law was provided. This approach
benefits both younger scholars and practitioners looking for a firm basic article to commence research as well as for more experienced researchers and their need for more in-depth analysis.
Legal analysis, focused on normative framework, resulted from the work of the Commission, as well as on practical implications is the basis of the authors’ approach in this article.