The Protocol on the Privileges and Immunities of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) was based on the 1946 UN Convention, establishing the legal framework for the ISA's operations, ensuring the organisation's legal personality, financial facilities, and the privileges and immunities of its representatives and officials. This treaty underscored Jamaica's commitment to supporting the ISA and safeguarding its functions within the global maritime community.

Published Thursday, August 27, 1998

ISA Protocol on Privileges, Immunities signed

JAMAICA WAS one of the first countries to sign the Protocol on the Privileges and Immunities of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) at a formal treaty-signing ceremony yesterday at the Jamaica Conference Centre.

Dr. Ken Rattray, Jamaica’s Permanent Representative to the ISA, signed on Jamaica’s behalf. The fourth session of the ISA, which began on August 17, ends tomorrow.

The Protocol, which was adopted by the Assembly of the Authority on March 26, 1998, is based on the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations of 1946. It covers such matters as the legal personality of the Authority premises, financial facilities of the Authority, privileges and immunities of representatives of members of the Authority and Authority officials, and related matters.

Other countries signing the Protocol during the ceremony yesterday included the Bahamas, Indonesia, Trinidad and Tobago, and the Netherlands.

The Protocol will be open for signatures in Kingston until tomorrow, and subsequently, until August 16, 2000, at the UN Headquarters in New York.

It will enter into force 30 days after the tenth instrument of ratification or accession.

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