Arthur Watts (13 January 1931 – 28 July 2007) was a British barrister and senior United Nations legal adviser. He served as the United Nations Under‑Secretary‑General for Legal Affairs and United Nations Legal Counsel from 1994 to 2004, and was a prominent figure in international law, particularly in the fields of diplomatic law, the law of the sea, and human rights.
Early life and education
Arthur Watts was born in London, England. He attended St Paul’s School, London, and subsequently studied law at Corpus Christi College, Oxford, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in jurisprudence in 1952. He was called to the Bar at Gray’s Inn in 1955.
Legal career
After practicing as a barrister in private practice, Watts joined the United Nations Office of Legal Affairs in 1970 as a senior legal officer. Over the ensuing decades he held a series of increasingly senior positions, including:
- Deputy Legal Counsel (1972–1978)
- Legal Counsel for the United Nations Secretariat (1979–1994)
- Under‑Secretary‑General for Legal Affairs and United Nations Legal Counsel (1994–2004)
In these roles, Watts advised the UN Secretary‑General and member states on a wide range of legal matters, represented the organization in negotiations, and contributed to the development of key international legal instruments. Notable contributions include:
- Participation in the drafting of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
- Advising on the legal aspects of UN peacekeeping operations and the establishment of the International Criminal Tribunals for the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda.
- Providing counsel during the negotiations leading to the establishment of the International Criminal Court.
Publications and scholarship
Watts authored several influential articles and commentaries on international law, including works on diplomatic immunity, the law of the sea, and the legal status of international organizations. He contributed to the International Law Reports and was a frequent speaker at conferences on international legal issues.
Honours and recognition
In recognition of his service, Watts was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1998, receiving the title of Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (KCMG). He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and held honorary positions with various legal academic institutions.
Later life and death
After retiring from the United Nations in 2004, Watts continued to engage in legal scholarship and served as a consultant on international legal matters. He passed away on 28 July 2007 in London at the age of 76.
Legacy
Arthur Watts is remembered for his substantial contributions to the development of contemporary international law and for his role in shaping the legal framework governing United Nations operations. His work continues to be cited in scholarly literature and judicial decisions concerning international legal norms.
