Nguyen Thi Lan Anh Sworn In as ITLOS Judge
She is the first Vietnamese national and the first female Southeast Asian judge on the tribunal.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Law
Nguyen Thi Lan Anh has been sworn in as a judge at the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) in Hamburg, Germany. Her nine-year term formally began on October 1, 2026.
Why it matters
The appointment marks a significant milestone for regional representation, as she is the first judge from Vietnam and the first woman from Southeast Asia to serve on this international maritime court.
The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea comprises 21 judges elected for nine-year terms. Since its establishment 30 years ago, only nine women have been elected to the body.
The players
Nguyen Thi Lan Anh
She is a newly sworn judge at the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea and the first Vietnamese national to hold the position.
International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea
This is an independent judicial body established by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea to adjudicate disputes arising from maritime law.
The details
Judges are selected based on their expertise in maritime law and their reputation for fairness and integrity. Before taking office, each must make a public declaration to exercise their powers impartially, conscientiously, and with integrity.
Timeline
The tribunal began operating in 1996.
Nguyen Thi Lan Anh was elected on June 18, 2026.
She was sworn in on October 1, 2026.
Her term of service runs from 2026 through 2035.
Political Context
Some observers and member nations have historically raised concerns about the slow pace of diversifying the tribunal's bench to better reflect the global community. Critics argue that despite the mandate for geographical distribution, certain regions have historically been underrepresented in the selection process.
The addition of a new judge with expertise in Southeast Asian maritime issues may influence the tribunal's approach to territorial and navigation disputes in that region. Citizens and stakeholders should expect this to reflect in future rulings regarding international waters.
The takeaway
The appointment underscores the ongoing push for diverse legal representation within global institutions dedicated to maritime dispute resolution. Her tenure will be a key period to observe how the tribunal addresses modern complexities in international law.
Further reading
For more information on the international judicial process, visit our Law section.
