03 Oct 2018 | 04:56 PM UTC
Bolivia: UN rules in Chile’s favor in territorial dispute October 1
ICJ judges rule against Bolivia in its dispute with Chile over access to the Pacific Ocean; protests possible in the coming days and weeks
Event
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled in favor of Chile over a 135-year territorial dispute with Bolivia regarding the Atacama corridor - a proposed tract of land in northern Chile that if ceded to Bolivia would grant the latter sovereign access to the Pacific Ocean. Protests are possible in the coming days and weeks in cities across Bolivia. A heightened security presence and associated transportation disruptions are anticipated in the vicinity of any demonstration.
Context
In 2013, Bolivia filed a lawsuit at the ICJ, demanding that Chile cede some 120,000 sq km (46,000 sq mi) of territory to Bolivia, including 400 sq km (155 sq mi) of coastline. Part of the territory that Bolivia claims was lost to Chile following the War of the Pacific (1879-83), which left the country landlocked.
Advice
Individuals present in Bolivia are advised to monitor developments to the situation and avoid all protests as a precaution.
