UN court starts deliberating in maritime dispute between Nicaragua and Honduras

The United Nations International Court of Justice (ICJ) has begun its deliberations in the dispute between Nicaragua and Honduras over the delineation of their maritime border in the Caribbean Sea after public hearings in the case ended today.

Nicaragua brought proceedings against its Central American neighbour in 1999 at the ICJ, saying diplomatic negotiations over the disputed maritime boundary had failed, and asking the Court to rule on the boundary and determine which country has sovereignty over the islands and cays within the area of dispute.

The dispute affects the territorial seas, the exclusive economic zones and the continental shelves of the two countries.

The ICJ, which sits in The Hague, is a UN court that adjudicates disputes between States. In a press statement released today, the Court said it will deliver its judgement at a date to be determined. Public hearings in the matter began on 5 March and concluded today with the presentation of final submissions.