Benchbook on International Law

Volume one of the United Nations Office of Legal Affairs handbook compiles foundational instruments: the UN Charter, the Statute of the International Court of Justice, and core declarations on sovereignty, decolonization and statehood. The reference for primary sources of public international law.

United Nations

Volume two of the United Nations handbook gathers the core treaties on the law of armed conflict, international criminal law, and disarmament and non-proliferation. Includes Geneva Conventions, the Rome Statute, and key arms control conventions.

United Nations

Volume three of the United Nations handbook compiles instruments on the law of the sea, international environmental law, and international watercourses. Reference for UNCLOS, MARPOL, biodiversity treaties and shared water resources.

United Nations

Volume four of the United Nations handbook gathers instruments on international labour law, the law of cultural relations, and international trade and investment law. Includes ILO conventions, UNESCO instruments, and core trade and investment treaties.

United Nations

An accessible glossary-style introduction by the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs. Defines core international law concepts in plain language: sources, treaties, jurisdiction, state responsibility, sanctions and dispute settlement.

Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA)