International Law

International law governs the relationships, rights, and obligations between states, international organizations, businesses, and individuals across national borders. It covers both public international law (such as treaties between states, human rights, humanitarian law, environmental law) and private international law, which determines applicable law and competent courts in cross-border civil cases like marriage, divorce, employment, and business matters.

The most important law that gives effect to international law in the Netherlands is Article 94 of the Constitution, which states that international treaties and decisions of international organizations with binding effect take precedence over national legislation. Additionally, core frameworks include the United Nations Charter, the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), various EU regulations, the UN Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG), and the Dutch Civil Code (especially Book 10).

Topics Covered by International Law 

• Law of Treaties and International Organizations

  • Creation, implementation, and enforcement of agreements between states and international organizations

  • Cooperation with entities like the UN, EU, Council of Europe, WTO, NATO

• Private International Law

  • Choice of law and competent court in international contracts, divorce, maintenance, custody, employment, inheritance

  • Recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments and arbitral awards

• Public International Law

  • Human rights, law of armed conflict, diplomatic law, environmental law, law of the sea, universal jurisdiction for serious crimes

• International Criminal Law

  • Prosecution of genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity by international courts

  • Extradition, surrender, and international criminal investigations

• Trade and Investment Law

  • International sale of goods, import/export regulations, distribution, investment protection

  • Competition law and EU market regulation

• Cross-Border Dispute Resolution

  • Arbitration, mediation, and litigation before international courts (International Court of Justice, ICC, ECHR)

• International Administrative Law

  • Permitting, regulatory compliance, and administrative actions affected by international standards

When to Engage an International Law Attorney

• When facing disputes over the application of treaties or international obligations in the Dutch context

• In cross-border civil disputes: contracts, maintenance, divorce, inheritance, employment

• For recognition or enforcement of foreign judgments or arbitral awards

• In criminal matters: extradition, surrender, prosecution of international crimes

• If your rights are violated under international courts (such as human rights), or you seek proceedings before these forums

• For advice or procedure in international trade, investment, import/export, competition, or sanctions law

• In administrative matters where international standards or transnational decisions impact permits or sanctions

Key Support Provided by the International Law Attorney

• Criminal Law

  • Assistance in extradition, surrender, or international prosecution procedures

  • Legal advice, strategy, and defense in cases of international crimes or violation of international rules

• Civil Law

  • Conducting proceedings and providing advice in international contracts, trade disputes, family law, employment

  • Support for cross-border debt recovery, claims, and liability issues

  • Drafting, reviewing, and enforcing international contracts and general terms

• Administrative Law

  • Procedures against or on behalf of public authorities for the implementation or enforcement of international standards

  • Appeals and administrative proceedings related to EU law or supranational regulations

  • Advice on compliance and strategic positioning in international legal matters

The international law attorney analyzes your complex international file, prepares legal documents, gathers evidence, negotiates with domestic and foreign parties, and expertly guides you through each phase of the process—always ensuring privacy and anonymity in line with Meld.nl’s privacy protocol.

This overview offers a roadmap for navigating international law matters. This process requires thorough documentation and swift action. Meld.nl acts as an intermediary for civil, administrative, and criminal procedures. To protect your legitimate interests, the assistance of an international law attorney is essential.