Algiers Agreement (2000) - Claims Commission

Claims Commission

A neutral Claims Commission was also established. The mandate of the Commission was to decide through binding arbitration all claims for loss, damage or injury by one Government against the other, and by nationals of one party against the Government of the other party or entities owned or controlled by the other party that were (a) related to the conflict, and (b) resulted from violations of international humanitarian law, including the 1949 Geneva Conventions, or other violations of international law.

The Commission would not hear claims arising from the cost of military operations, preparing for military operations, or the use of force, except to the extent that such claims involve violations of international humanitarian law.

Claims were submitted to the Commission by each of the parties on its own behalf and on behalf of its nationals within one year from the effective date of the agreement, and with certain exceptions, the Commission was to be the only forum for such claims. In appropriate cases, the parties could file claims on behalf of persons of Eritreans or Ethiopian origin who were not nationals.

The Commission was authorized to develop its own methods of efficient case management and mass claims processing. The Commission was to endeavor to complete its work within three years of the date when the period for filing claims closes. The Commission was to apply relevant rules of international law.

Decisions and awards of the Commission were final and binding. The parties agreed to honour all decisions and to pay any monetary awards rendered against them promptly.