Themes from public international law in Maltese primary legislation : from 1964 onwards

Abstract

The thesis concentrates on themes of Public International Law, such as the sea, diplomacy and co-operation, human rights and freedoms, criminality and weaponry, and others that are incorporated in one way or another in Maltese Primary Legislation, since 1964. An examination of a number of related international conventions, treaties and agreements, as well as unwritten rules of International law, that have become part of Maltese law, lie at the bases of the thesis. An overview of the sources of Public International Law, as well as the applicability of Public International Law in Malta through time is also considered. The thesis depicts the importance of the above-mentioned themes not only in the international sphere but also in Malta, because no matter how small Malta is, it is also concerned about its well-being and that of its citizens just like any other State. It also portrays Malta as part of a large international organisation to protect the world and its inhabitants, and even though the Island is small, its international contribution by ratifying and adhering to the international agreements, treaties and conventions, as well as by abiding with customary international rules, and its suggestions during the conferences of the United Nations, is immense.