Osman Keh Kamara

Professional Experience

International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS)

Hamburg, Germany
2023 – Present

• Principal judicial authority on United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) disputes.
• Handles cases related to maritime boundaries, navigation rights, environmental protection, and marine resource management.

African Union Commission

2019 – 2022

• Special Advisor for the Silencing the Guns Initiative (2019-2021).
• Led policy efforts in conflict prevention, maritime security, and implementation of the African Charter on Maritime Security, Safety, and Development in Africa.
• Managed the African Union Border Programme, promoting peaceful boundary resolutions.

United Nations Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (UNDOALOS)

New York, United States
2010 – 2020

• Member of the UN Group of Experts for 10 years.
• Contributed to the World Ocean Assessment Reports, analyzing global maritime security, environmental risks, and economic impacts of ocean resource management.

Ambassador & High Commissioner

2014 – 2018

• Ambassador of Sierra Leone to Ethiopia with accreditation to 17 African nations and Israel.
• Represented Sierra Leone in UN-HABITAT and the UN Environment Programme, advancing sustainable development and environmental initiatives.

2008 – 2014

• Deputy Ambassador & Legal Affairs Representative at the United Nations.
• Led Sierra Leone’s engagement in the Sixth Committee, drafting and delivering key legal statements before the UN General Assembly and Security Council.

African Union Permanent Representative

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
2014 – 2018

• Served three terms as President/Chairperson of the AU Peace and Security Council.
• Negotiated the African Charter on Maritime Security and the African Union Master Roadmap for Silencing the Guns in Africa.

Permanent Representative to the UN Economic Commission for Africa

2014 – 2018

• Led regional economic development efforts.
• Strengthened African trade policies and ocean governance strategies.

Government of Sierra Leone – Head of Prosecutions (NASSIT)

2007 – 2008

• Oversaw legal enforcement for the National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT).
• Prosecuted cases to uphold social security compliance.

UNHCR – Retained Solicitor & Counsel

Freetown, Sierra Leone
2006 – 2008

• Provided legal representation for asylum seekers and refugees under the UN Refugee Agency.
• Handled cases involving human rights violations, refugee protections, and sexual violence cases.

Special Court for Sierra Leone – Co-Counsel (Appeals)

2006 – 2007

• Worked on war crimes and crimes against humanity appeals.
• Provided defense counsel in international criminal law cases in both Freetown and The Hague.

Attorney at Law – Terence Terry & Co.

Freetown, Sierra Leone
2000 – 2006

• Litigated Supreme Court appeals, commercial disputes, and high-profile criminal cases.
• Specialized in corporate law, alternative dispute resolution, and constitutional matters.

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Education

Columbia University – School of International and Public Affairs
Master of Public Administration (MPA)

Queen Mary University of London
Master of Laws (LLM)

University of Paris I: Panthéon-Sorbonne
Master of Laws (LLM)

University of Sierra Leone, Fourah Bay College
Bachelor of Laws (LLB, Honors)