Welcome to OSTL: The Organization for the Study of Treaty Law
An International Association of Scholars, Diplomats and Institutions
At its core, OSTL is committed to promoting the understanding of international law, with a particular focus on treaty law and the law of treaties on a worldwide scale. The organization emphasizes that while treaties often make headlines—sometimes sparking controversy—their foundational legal framework is frequently overlooked. Treaty law encompasses the mechanisms by which these agreements are formed, negotiated, and implemented, addressing critical global issues such as human rights protections and climate change mitigation.
OSTL’s objectives extend to educating global citizens about the significance of these legal instruments. In the United States, for instance, treaties hold a unique status as the “supreme law of the land,” on par with the Constitution itself. However, the path to ratification can be fraught with challenges: some treaties are debated extensively, signed by the President, yet ultimately fail to secure Senate approval. By shedding light on these dynamics, OSTL aims to foster informed discourse and greater appreciation for the role of treaties in everyday life.
The United Nations Charter, signed on 26 June 1945 in San Francisco and entering into force on 24 October 1945, is the foundational treaty of the UN, amended in 1963, 1965, and 1973. It features a preamble, chapters, and articles outlining purposes like maintaining peace, promoting human rights, and fostering cooperation, while codifying principles such as sovereign equality and prohibiting force, with the Statute of the International Court of Justice annexed.
Video above: Utrecht University Campus Tour
Utrecht University, a leading public research institution in Utrecht, Netherlands, was established in 1636, making it one of the nation’s oldest universities. In 2023, it enrolled 39,769 students and employed 8,929 faculty and staff, renowned for its academic excellence and innovative research.
With the kind support of: EUCLID (Euclid University) | Euler-Franeker Memorial University (EULER) | International Organization for Sustainable Development (IOSD) | and the Universities Netherlands Network.