On 31 March 2020, Palau acceded to the 1958 Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards (the “New York Convention” or the “Convention“). With this, Palau becomes the 163rd State party to the Convention, following the recent accessions of Ethiopia, the Seychelles, the Maldives and Papua New Guinea. Palau deposited its instrument of accession on 31 March 2020 and, under Article XII (2) of the Convention, it will come into force on 29 June 2020, 90 days thereafter.
Consistent with Article I.3 of the New York Convention, contracting States are able to ratify or accede subject to certain reservations. Palau is reported by the Secretary-General of the United Nations to have acceded to the New York Convention subject to two common reservations. Palau will apply the Convention (i) on the basis of reciprocity to the recognition and enforcement of arbitral awards made only in the territory of another contracting State, and (ii) only to differences arising out of legal relationships, whether contractual or not, which are considered commercial under the laws of the Republic of Palau.
Palau’s accession is also subject to the Convention only being applicable to arbitral awards concluded after the date of Palau’s accession. The implication of this provision is that any outstanding awards made prior to the Convention coming into effect on 29 June 2020 will not be enforceable in Palau under the Convention. Parties seeking to enforce such awards will need to rely on Palau’s existing domestic enforcement regime.
For more information please contact Chris Parker, Partner, Maguelonne de Brugiere, Senior Associate, or your usual Herbert Smith Freehills contact.
Disclaimer
The articles published on this website, current at the dates of publication set out above, are for reference purposes only. They do not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Specific legal advice about your specific circumstances should always be sought separately before taking any action.