Dr Christopher Ward SC has been elected Vice-Chair of the International Law Association (ILA) Headquartered in London. The International Law Association was founded in Brussels in 1873. Its objectives, under its Constitution, are "the study, clarification and development of international law, both public and private, and the furtherance of international understanding and respect for international law".

Dr Ward said: “The rule of law is under great pressure due to global events. The role of the ILA has never been more important. The Association brings together public and private international lawyers to develop new framework rules for the peaceful resolution of international disputes and to declare and clarify the content of existing rules of international law. Despite glaring examples of impunity, it is critical that the content of international law is identified and publicised so that departures from the law can be made clear, and support given to those States seeking to uphold the international legal order.”