Is it legally possible for SBSTA to hold workshops outside of a SBSTA session? Summary: We have not been able to find procedural rules which state definitively that out-of-session workshops are either allowed or not allowed (we note that there are formal procedures on in-session workshops).  However, we have found numerous examples of workshops occurring …

What are the legal implications of the words “takes note of…” in the Copenhagen Accord? The Accord itself is a non-legally binding agreement. As between the parties that agreed it (or subsequently associated themselves with it), it is likely, if anything, to be politically binding. This means that political consequences could flow from its …

1. Can the Chair of a Plenary Session be changed? 2. Can the Chair arbitrarily decide that consensus has been reached (when it would appear that it has not)? The bottom line is that concerned Parties must raise a point of order and seek a ruling (and vote) if they are unhappy with the procedure […]

What is the legal status of a UN ‘INF’ document? A UN ‘INF’ document is an information document, usually used to share Parties’ views or circulate more general information. It is less formal than a decision document and does not have any legally binding status.

…