Identification of Jus Cogens Norms of International Law with a Glance to the Possibility of Emergence of Jus Cogens Norms of International Environmental Law

Jus Cogens norms of international law are among the key concepts cotibuting the development of international law. These norms stand out among other international norms because they uphold the fundamental values of the international community; contrary to mutual international obligations, these norms are owed by and in the interest of all states. Although there is no uncertainty regarding the concept of Jus Cogens norms in the international law literature, the identification parameters and contents of such norms have always been subject to debate.
 Therefore, it is both controversial and difficult to explain the nature of Jus Cogens norms and develop an effective solution to identify them. This descriptive-analytical desk research seeks to answer this question: What criteria could be helpful in identifying such norms against the backdrop of international law? And consequently which Jus Cogens norms belong to the realm of international environmental law. To shed light on how to correctly identify Jus Cogens norms, this study proposes and examines two criteria: the 'rule of general international law" and the "acceptance and recognition".
The results show that some principles of international environmental law, despite the fact that have the potential to become Jus Cogens norms, they have not been able to achieve that status, yet.