On October 16, 2025, Professor Sean D. Murphy, the Manatt/Ahn Professor of International Law, orally argued on behalf of the Republic of Armenia before an international arbitral tribunal in a case commenced in 2023 by the Republic of Azerbaijan. According to Azerbaijan, a dispute has arisen between the two countries in relation to alleged breaches by Armenia of its obligations under the 1979 Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (“Bern Convention”).
The hearing took place at the Peace Palace, located in The Hague, Netherlands, under the auspices of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (“PCA”). Professor Murphy’s arguments urged the Tribunal to consider, at a preliminary phase, whether the jurisdiction of the Tribunal was affected by the applicability of the law of armed conflict. Professor Murphy noted that “it was not only an honor to represent Armenia in this matter, but heartening to see two countries seeking to resolve their difference through resort to peaceful dispute settlement.”
Further information about the proceedings is available on the PCA website.